Ben Johnson

A stylish left handed batsman and handy medium pace bowler, Ben Johnson has occupied a regular spot in South Australian first-class and one-day teams over recent years. He is yet to fully realise his immense potential but is a steady and reliable contributor and a highly valued member of the Redbacks squad. A half-century on debut and then the brilliant double of 81 and 168 in only his fifth first-class match (when he came into the side as a replacement opener for Greg Blewett in 1994-95) certainly underlined his promise and a number of excellent contributions have followed in the years since. Even if the quality of such a start acted as a millstone around his neck for a time, his general dependability in subsequent seasons has proved especially important in what remains an inexperienced side. With the bat, Johnson is upright and correct and shows a liking for back foot strokes. With the ball, he is a skidding medium pacer with a capacity to gain movement both ways off the seam and a happy knack of being able to break sizeable partnerships when called upon. (John Polack, August 2001)

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