Watch: Throwback to when David Johnson clocked 157.8 km/hr delivery against Australia in 1996

David Johnson. (Source – Twitter/X)

Former India pacer David Johnson was one of the fastest pacers of his time, he became the first fast bowler to break the 150 km/hr barrier in India. His skills were showcased on his debut for the national team when the ace pacer clocked a speed of 157.8 km/hr against Australia in Delhi in 1996, dismissing Aussie opener Michael Slater on a duck. 

Johnson went wicketless in the first innings of the game; however, he put forth a brilliant performance in the second innings, dismissing Slater in his very first over. The delivery swung outside, attracting the edge from Slater as the ball landed in the hands of Mohammad Azharuddin, who took a fantastic catch. 

In the 12 overs that he bowled, Johnson finished with impressive numbers of 1/40, which was also his last home test for the Indian team. He only played one more test in his career after that, which came against South Africa in late 1996.

Watch the video below:

The cricket fraternity mourns passing of David Johnson

The cricket fraternity took to social media in huge numbers to mourn the loss of David Johnson, which severely impacted the entire community. Aged 52, Johnson passed away in Bengaluru on Thursday, June 20. Several former cricketers, like Anil Kumble and Gautam Gambhir, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to pay their respects to Johnson after his passing. 

His record in domestic cricket made him one of the most exciting prospects in the country at the time. He once picked up match figures of 10/52 against Kerala in the 1995–96 Ranji Trophy season, which earned him his national selection. 

However, at an average of 47.66 runs, Johnson only managed to take three wickets in the two Tests that he played for India. He took two wickets against South Africa in his final Test. However, India lost the game by a massive margin of 328 runs.