Under pressure and lacking confidence, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson made the drastic decision to shorten his run-up midway through the second Test against South Africa.
It did not work and the left-arm bowler remains on thin ice to keep his position in the attack for the Australian summer.
During South Africa's second innings on day three, Johnson almost halved his normal run-up to the crease and, despite failing to take a wicket, did not at any stage revert to his usual approach.
In a way, it is commendable he is willing to try whatever it takes to turn things around but, in reality, it was perceived as a sign of panic and desperation.
"I was surprised," admitted South African opening batsman, Jacques Rudolph.
"I find it a little bit strange that you change your running style in the middle of a Test match.
"Maybe it gives away a little bit of his headspace in terms of where he's at."
Had Ryan Harris been fit for the Johannesburg Test, it is questionable whether Johnson would have even played.
In the end, he was handed another reprieve, but not even a return to The Wanderers, where he took eight wickets back in 2009, could spur Johnson back to life.
Johnson has only once this year taken more than two wickets in a match.
Australian vice-captain Shane Watson does not beat around the bush when discussing Johnson's present levels of self belief, however he did not see the shortened run-up as a bad move.
"Mitch's confidence is not totally high," Watson said.
"There's no doubt he hasn't got as many wickets as he would have liked over the last while.
"But I actually thought he bowled quite nicely today.
"He was swinging the ball.
"Mitch is trying a couple of little things to be as effective as he possibly can.
"Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get the breakthrough that we all wanted."
Watson said he was not concerned about Australia's attack despite his own hamstring injury, Harris' hip problem, the poor form of Johnson, the inexperience of Pat Cummins and Peter Siddle's lack of variation.
AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, australia First posted November 20, 2011 12:17:47
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