June 20th 2024.
The cricket world mourns the loss of former Indian pacer David Johnson, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 52 in Bengaluru. Born on October 16, 1971, in Arasikere, Karnataka, Johnson first made his mark on the international stage in 1996 when he made his debut for India against Australia. It was a sensational start for Johnson, who immediately caught the attention of fans and experts with his impressive bowling speed of 157.8 km/h, making him one of the fastest bowlers of his time.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah expressed his condolences for Johnson's family and friends on social media, writing, "Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered." It is clear that Johnson's impact on the game will be long-lasting and his presence will be greatly missed.
Johnson's journey to the Indian team was a result of his remarkable performances in domestic cricket. In the 1995-96 Ranji Trophy season, he took 10 wickets for just 152 runs against Kerala, which was his best match total. This performance earned him national recognition and he was selected for the one-off Test against Australia at Ferozshah Kotla in 1996.
In his first-class career, Johnson took 125 wickets in 39 games, with an average of 28.63 and a strike rate of 47.4. He also had a century to his name in first-class cricket, showcasing his abilities as a lower-order batter. In List A cricket, he claimed 41 wickets in 33 games. His final competitive game was in the Karnataka Premier League in 2015.
Johnson's call-up to the Indian team came as a result of an injury to Javagal Srinath. In his debut match, he bowled alongside his Karnataka teammate Venkatesh Prasad and managed to take the wicket of Australian opener Michael Slater in the second innings. He also joined the Indian team on their tour to South Africa, where he played in the first Test and dismissed McMillan and Herschel Gibbs.
His exceptional speed and contributions to Karnataka cricket were fondly remembered by his teammates and fans. Indian cricket legend Anil Kumble took to social media to express his sorrow, writing, "Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon 'Benny'!" It is clear that Johnson will be greatly missed by the cricket community and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
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