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RESILIENT HB
Not all cricket legends are forged easily - sometimes you have to conquer yourself before you can conquer the world.
Mitchell Johnson is a once-in-a-generation Australian cricketer; a devastating left-arm fast bowler who became a household name following his epic performance in the 2013-14 Ashes series and the subsequent Test series against South Africa. But behind the cult image and fearsome pace bowling is an unforgettable story of perseverance and persistence.
The story of how a shy 17-year-old champion tennis player was plucked from obscurity and anointed by Dennis Lillee is the stuff of sporting fairytales. Fast tracked into the Australian Under 19 side he made his Test debut in 2007. Within 12 months he had become the world's most feared bowler. But by 2011 the promise of greatness was unravelling. With form fading and confidence waning, he was jeered out of the game by the Barmy Army and a hostile press pack, his body and spirit giving way in South Africa in 2011.
Left questioning his ability and his future, Mitchell was ready to quit cricket, but resolved to give it one more shot. With the support of family and help from his old mentor and a war hero, he took his fitness to a whole new level and channelled his strength and renewed confidence back into his bowling.
Over two blistering seasons, at the age of 32, finally the world was able to see what Lillee had seen all those years ago. Mitchell Johnson's comeback has become one of cricket's most inspiring stories of the power of resilience.
Mitchell Johnson is a once-in-a-generation Australian cricketer; a devastating left-arm fast bowler who became a household name following his epic performance in the 2013-14 Ashes series and the subsequent Test series against South Africa. But behind the cult image and fearsome pace bowling is an unforgettable story of perseverance and persistence.
The story of how a shy 17-year-old champion tennis player was plucked from obscurity and anointed by Dennis Lillee is the stuff of sporting fairytales. Fast tracked into the Australian Under 19 side he made his Test debut in 2007. Within 12 months he had become the world's most feared bowler. But by 2011 the promise of greatness was unravelling. With form fading and confidence waning, he was jeered out of the game by the Barmy Army and a hostile press pack, his body and spirit giving way in South Africa in 2011.
Left questioning his ability and his future, Mitchell was ready to quit cricket, but resolved to give it one more shot. With the support of family and help from his old mentor and a war hero, he took his fitness to a whole new level and channelled his strength and renewed confidence back into his bowling.
Over two blistering seasons, at the age of 32, finally the world was able to see what Lillee had seen all those years ago. Mitchell Johnson's comeback has become one of cricket's most inspiring stories of the power of resilience.
- GenresBiography
400 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2016
12 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 2, 2021
Absolutely enthralling . As a Cricket enthusiast myself this journey of Mitchell Johnson was a rollercoaster ride . It gave a lot of behind the scenes tales of a fast bowler and how is their approach different than that of spinners or other roles . Aside from cricket there are lot of life lessons to learn from it and them happenings in real increases the credibility enormously. Very inspiring indeed.
February 6, 2017
As an avid cricket and Mitchell Johnson fan I couldn't wait to read his autobiography. For the most part, it was a fascinating insight into the life of a fast bowler. Was surprised with his honest and down to earth tone of the book and also with how some incidents, such as the tragic passing of Phillip Hughes, were so openly discussed. Had no idea of the mental battles and demons that he faced throughout his career. Well played Mitch on both your career and autobiography. Fantastic cricketer and great read!!
January 10, 2018
A very readable story. There are a few places where Johnson could have added a bit of spice in terms of divulging exactly what was said (for example, during his well known clash with Kevin Pietersen) or his opinion of other players, but chooses not to. In choosing the high road, I suspect that the book is a reflection of the integrity of its author. A good read for lovers of cricket or sports biography.
June 15, 2017
A pleasant surprise. Well-written and insightful and gives you an added respect for Mitchell Johnson as a personality.
July 7, 2017
has a very inspiring story that I will cherish for a long time
November 14, 2017
Honest and a moving account.
April 6, 2018
Interesting and informative read from a helpfully reflective Aussie hero. Lots of good thoughts about determination and achievement. Enjoyed.
September 8, 2018
My favorite fast bowler of all time. This was one of the books I had always wanted to read. A must read for everyone who loves fast bowling, cricket and story of resilience.
October 9, 2019
Honest and a moving account.
December 5, 2019
Loved it! Thanks for sharing your story
July 4, 2020
Brilliant
January 1, 2021
One of the better cricket autobiographies with an unusual journey. His early years and transition into cricket was particularly interesting.
November 7, 2016
A good insight into the life's struggles and his unbelievable will power to overcome adversity and become one of the best quicks of his generation. Lillee called him a "once in a generation bowler" which seems to be a bit of a long hop considering the company Mitch tends to be named in. Nevertheless, Ashes 2014 in Australia and SA 2014/15 were one of the most enjoyable Australian performances to witness in a while and Johnson played an absolutely vital role alongside Ryano (once in a generation bowler for me) to help the Aussies destroy the Poms down under and then the Saffers in their own backyard.
I particularly enjoyed the details he delves into before bowling the first ball of an Ashes test or bowling under the pressure of having to perform or else. Overall it was a fun read.
I have to admit that the only reason I ended up reading this book was because I'm going to Mitch's book signing in a few days otherwise I don't think I would've ever read it, no offence :). But having said that, congratulations to Mitch on a successful career and for bringing the art of intimidation back into the game just when it was dying with the likes of Akhtar and Lee reaching the end of their careers. The other Mitch of the kind Starc has gladly taken over the mantle of the next big thing from Johnson and is leading the way in inspiring a newer generation of Australian quicks.
I'd give the book 3.5/5.
I particularly enjoyed the details he delves into before bowling the first ball of an Ashes test or bowling under the pressure of having to perform or else. Overall it was a fun read.
I have to admit that the only reason I ended up reading this book was because I'm going to Mitch's book signing in a few days otherwise I don't think I would've ever read it, no offence :). But having said that, congratulations to Mitch on a successful career and for bringing the art of intimidation back into the game just when it was dying with the likes of Akhtar and Lee reaching the end of their careers. The other Mitch of the kind Starc has gladly taken over the mantle of the next big thing from Johnson and is leading the way in inspiring a newer generation of Australian quicks.
I'd give the book 3.5/5.
November 13, 2016
This was a really honest and interesting book. I have read a lot of sporting biographies and sometimes they can turn into self adulation or try to be controversial for controversial sake. This book didn't fall into that trap and I was amazed at the 'mind games' that he went through to play at a international level. He was honest about that, honest about his family and interestingly he was honest about the Phillip Hughes incident. I read this section when the inquest was news and it caused me to doubt the veracity of some of the witnesses. any cricket fan, particularly Australian cricket fans will enjoy it.
January 6, 2017
Such a good book!!! Love Mitchell Johnson, he's such an amazing cricketer and so insightful and funny and he's been through SO MUCH yet is still strong and battled through all the criticisms.
Congrats to Mitch on a wonderful career and best wishes for his future with Jess and the kids.
Congrats to Mitch on a wonderful career and best wishes for his future with Jess and the kids.
Want to read
December 25, 2016A Christmas present from my indulgent sister!
February 23, 2020
great book if you like cricket
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews