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Clarity, discipline keys to success, says Johnson

Published:Thursday | September 14, 2023 | 12:10 AM
West Indies Under-19 batsman, Jordan Johnson, gives the thumbs up to the dressing room on his way to an unbeaten 133 on the second day of a youth ‘Test’ against Sri Lanka Under-19s at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium yesterday.
CWI photo
West Indies Under-19 batsman, Jordan Johnson, gives the thumbs up to the dressing room on his way to an unbeaten 133 on the second day of a youth ‘Test’ against Sri Lanka Under-19s at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium yesterday.

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka (CMC):

JORDAN JOHNSON has pointed to clarity of mind and disciplined stroke play as the main reasons behind his heavy scoring on the tour of Sri Lanka.

The left-hander struck a superb unbeaten 133 on Wednesday as West Indies Under-19s fought back on day two of the decisive second Youth ‘Test’ at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

For the Jamaican, the hundred was his third on tour following his 149 in the first innings of the opening Youth ‘Test’ last week, and his 105 in the final Youth One-Day International of the three-match series two weeks ago.

“I just go out there with a plan and that plan is to bat properly, play every ball on merit, and I think I’ve been doing that well,” Johnson said.

“It’s just about sticking to my game plan and being clear in my mind with everything I want to do.”

He continued: “I think it’s just about being more watchful. Playing in Sri Lanka, the pitches are going to spin a lot, and that’s been the case through some periods of matches.

“It’s more so about playing tight, staying in the ‘V’ most times and knowing that, when you’re in control, you’re in control, and not give it away.”

TOP SCORE

Johnson was also in good nick in the first innings with a top score of 52 but West Indies Under-19s crumbled for 127 after being 57 without loss at one stage.

Trailing by 199 runs after Sri Lanka U19s gathered 326 in reply, Johnson was once again needed, his innings so far requiring 136 deliveries and including 16 fours and a six, as the Caribbean side reached 251 for eight at the close – a lead of only 52 runs.

Johnson said the aim today would be to carve out as many runs as possible, to give his side a chance.

“[My plan is] just to bat the same way and push the score maybe a little bit more,” he explained.

“I know that Tamarie (Redwood) can bat or at least hold his own. I can depend on him a little bit to bring us to lunch if possible, and we’ll just see how it goes.”

Redwood has already faced 16 balls without scoring.

The opening Youth ‘Test’ finished in a draw last week at the same venue.