Shane Watson Pushed My Head Into The Toilet: Mitchell Johnson Reveals in Book
Retired speedster Mitchell Johnson speaks about his relationship with Shane Watson in his autobiography, 'Resilient'
- NDTV Sports
- Updated: October 25, 2016 12:50 PM IST
Highlights
- Mitchell Johnson has released his autobiography on Monday
- Mitchell Johnson's book is called Resilient
- The Aussie pacer retired last November
In recent times, former Australian cricketers have spewed venom on teammates through their autobiographies. But the latest bookish slugfest has a happy ending.
Ex-captain Michael Clarke and Shane Watson dominated the headlines with the former captain's 'tumour' and 'cancer' comment on the burly all-rounder. Watson also figures in Mitchell Johnson's book, but for a good reason.
Mitchell Johnson, who once terrorised batsmen with speed, bounce and swing, has revealed in his book - Resilient - that Watson once pushed his head into a toilet during an ad break during the popular Australian soap, 'Neighbours'.
That bust up did not spoil Watson and Johnson's long-term relationship. The duo went on to become one of the closest teammates in the Australian dressing room, once facing suspension for the 'homeworkgate' controversy in India in 2013.
The pair went on to play 43 Tests together. They won an Ashes series at home and helped Australia win the 2015 World Cup at home.
Johnson's autobiography was released on Monday. Just like his bowling, it is gripping and recalls some of the most exchanges in his career. The toilet incident in 2000, when Johnson and Watson were inmates of the Australian Centre of Excellence, is one of them.
"Every night we'd pile into the common room and watch Neighbours before dinner," Johnson wrote in his autobiography.
"It was always a bit willing as every time there was an ad break there would be an all-in wrestle on the floor until the show started again.
"In one wrestle I was dragged through the door and into the bathroom by a heap of guys and somebody pushed my head into the toilet. I wasn't impressed and the red mist descended.
"Somehow I managed to break free and I grabbed whoever it was by the front of the shirt as I got up and someone grabbed mine. I raised my right fist and he did the same. Then we looked at each other.
"It was Watto. I think we both looked at each other and thought: nah, I'm not going to hit him, he's my mate, and put our fists down at the same time.
"I can't say I wasn't angry. It took me a few days to get over it. We eventually started to talk to each other again and Watto remains one of my best mates in cricket."
While Watson and Clarke's relationship has always been on the edge, the former always had a great respect for Johnson.
Johnson was irresistible during the 2013-14 Ashes series, capturing 37 wickets. Watson had the best seat in the match standing at slips.
"Mitch was always incredibly gifted and skillful and did a great job, but to see him at his absolute peak in that Ashes series and the next two years ... to see the fear in the batsman's eyes," Watson told cricket.com.au after Johnson's shock retirement last November.
"To be in first slip and to know you had that weapon in your attack was just incredible. It's so intimidating. To have that intimidation was along the lines of when Brett Lee was his absolute best and bowling super-fast," Watson had said.