Mitchell Johnson didn't give interview to TOI praising Jasprit Bumrah
What's the story
Former Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson is upset with Times of India for fabricating an interview, which he claimed he never gave. In the 'interview', published on December 23, Johnson heaped praises on Jasprit Bumrah and his bowling skills. The interview was also quoted by ICC and Johnson wrote on Twitter that he never sat down for a chat with TOI. Here's what happened.
The interview
Here's looking at what Johnson said in the 'interview'
In the purported interview, Johnson 'spoke' about everything from what he thinks of Australian pacers to Indian bowlers. He also addressed the question of his retirement and 'said' he missed the dressing room. Johnson also 'said' he had his share of fun in his career as an international cricketer. It was, however, his views on Bumrah which caught the attention of social media.
Quote
Johnson had a lot of things to 'say' about Bumrah
"He hardly bowls a loose delivery, which means he is hard to score off and any batsman will think twice before taking him on. The pressure he creates at one end often leads to wickets tumbling at the other end," Johnson 'told' TOI.
Busting fake news
Johnson, who isn't in Melbourne, says he never gave interview
After the interview became the talking point on social media, Johnson set the record straight. On Twitter, he wrote he wasn't in Melbourne, Australia, and didn't sit for 'free-wheeling' chat. He wrote, "Interesting article @TOISportsNews given I'm not in Melbourne & never sat down for a Q&A with this journalist." Notably, the link of the story is still live on the website.
Twitter Post
Even ICC shared excerpts of the 'interview'
Where has this come from? I don’t recall this. Who wrote this? I do agree with parts of it but I never sat down with anyone from memory https://t.co/mlqSWdFuFS
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 23, 2018
Reactions
TOI slammed for publishing an entire fake interview
Soon, there were many reactions on Johnson's tweet. Producer Atul Kasbekar tweeted, "There needs to be an explanation about this 'interview'. Is it actually completed fabricated if the interviewee claims it never happened, in fact, wasn't even there?!? (sic) Twitter user @imroshaaan tweeted: So TOI has apparently fabricated the whole article? I mean are you so Vella TOI? SERIOUSLY!!!????(sic)
Details
Someone suggested Johnson loathed Indians, he gave befitting reply
If this wasn't enough, Johnson was also irked when one Twitter user @LIK_HIT suggested he was 'irritating' Indians. Reacting sharply to this, Johnson wrote he has always believed Bumrah has a bright future and he got along fine with Indian players. "I'm irritating Indians? I'm receiving plenty of abusive tweets over my column I did on Kohli," he wrote.
Twitter Post
Johnson is visibly upset, his tweets testify
I agree he’s got a bright future, I’ve always said that on Bumrah. I get on fine with the Indian players, I have talked them up plenty over the last 2 tests. I’m irritating Indians? I’m receiving plenty of abusive tweets over my column I did on Kohli. Show me my loathing tweets?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 24, 2018