Johnson heroics propel Scorchers
THE Perth Scorchers remain undefeated in the BBL after Mitchell Johnson and Michael Klinger combined to steer them to a three-wicket win over the Melbourne Renegades at Etihad Stadium last night.
The game appeared in the Scorchers’ keeping from a long way out, but the visitors lost late wickets.
Ashton Turner held his nerve, scoring the winning runs when he carved a six over deep point off the last ball of the 19th over.
Johnson was the Scorchers’ best bowler with 3-13 from his four overs as the Renegades struggled to 9-130 after being sent in. The Scorchers finished on 7-133, with Klinger anchoring the innings with 37 runs from 37 balls.
Johnson was on song early, removing the Renegades skipper in his first over and Cameron White, who was coming off back-to-back half-centuries, in his second.
Andrew Tye, the BBL’s leading wicket-taker, was expensive but took his tally to 12 wickets with figures of 3-37 from his four overs.
Marcus Harris (32 runs from 25 balls) and Tom Cooper (34 from 24) combined for an important 63-run partnership before Harris was unlucky to be given out lbw.
The Renegades’ batting depth was put under pressure for the first time in the tournament and their middle order crumbled.
David Willey (31 from 21) and Klinger set the run chase up with a 58-run opening partnership.
Brad Hogg sparked the late revival and finished with 2-16.