Canada's Johnson Embraces Tricky Pitch, Fancying Chances Against India
Opener Believes Uneven Surface Levels Playing Field, Credits Pakistan Knock as Best T20I Innings
In the ongoing T20 World Cup, the pitch at the Nassau County field has drawn harsh criticism, but Aaron Johnson, the opener for Canada, isn't complaining because he thinks smaller teams benefit from such pitches.
Tuesday against Pakistan, Johnson scored the finest innings of his Twenty20 International career (a 52 off 44 balls), but his squad was unable to overcome a pressure-filled opponent.
"It's not the best surface, in my opinion. It's a challenging surface. However, a good total of 120–130 was set when T20 cricket began. Thanks to flat belters, folks are now receiving 200.
At the news conference following the game, Johnson stated, "I think if you have a surface like this, it evens the playing field and we fancy our chance against any opponent, not only Pakistan."
With his aggressive off-side strokeplay against one of the world's finest pace attacks, Johnson gave Canada a flying start. "I believe this to be my best international cricket innings to date. Growing up, you were aware that Pakistan possessed a strong fast bowling attack, correct?
Johnson, a Jamaican native, stated, "And to be able to put a decent total on the board for my team, that's up there with the top, probably top two best innings for me."
Johnson is incredibly enthusiastic about Saturday's league match between Canada and India in Lauderhill. "Anyone can win as soon as they get onto the pitch. Respect for these (Indian) guys is necessary, but you also need to respect yourself, Johnson emphasized.
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