Johnson banking on stiff ‘chin music’ to douse ‘trump-card’ Sehwag’s fire

CHANDIGARH - Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has set his sights on giving opening batsman Virender Sehwag a heady dose of ‘chin music’ as he feels he is the key to India’s top order in the upcoming Test series.

Sehwag had given confident starts to India in the 2008 Test series against the Australians, blasting 351 runs at a strike rate of 82.39.

“Last time when we were over here we came out and he (Sehwag) was hitting good balls for four or six, you look up at the scoreboard and he’s almost 50,” Fox Sports quoted Johnson, as saying.

“I think if we can get their top order out fairly cheaply it puts a lot of pressure on their lower order like (MS) Dhoni, (Rahul) Dravid and those guys,” he added.

Johnson further revealed that his team would target Sehwag with short-pitched bowling.

“Sehwag is someone we can bowl a lot of short balls to. I don’t think he’s too confident with the short ball early,” Johnson said.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Shane Watson said that it was vital to show aggressive intent to the Indian batsmen.

“There are a few things we know we can make the most of with hopefully some of the Indian batsmen,” Watson said.

“I think a few guys it doesn’t necessarily have to be raw pace, but getting a few short balls up a few of their top order batters is going to be really important, to set the tone of our bowling side,” he added.

Australia’s tour of India includes two Test matches, and three ODIs.

The first Test will be played Mohali form October 1-5, while the second Test will be played in Bangalore from October 9-13. (ANI)