Former Indian Test cricketer David Johnson passes away

NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer David Johnson passed away in Bengaluru on Thursday. He was 52 years old.

Johnson was a former fast bowler known for his brief stint with the Indian cricket team. He had played two Tests for India in 1996, taking three wickets. His death has shocked the cricketing community.

Johnson has died after falling from the balcony of his fourth-floor apartment, a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official confirmed to PTI. He leaves behind his wife and two children. Johnson, who was running a cricket academy, had not been in good health recently.

"We were informed that he had fallen from the fourth floor of his apartment building. He was taken to a hospital but the doctors declared him brought dead," the KSCA official told PTI.

Johnson was part of a strong Karnataka bowling unit that included Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, and Dodda Ganesh.

"It is a shocking news as we had played together from our tennis cricket days for a club called Jai Karnataka," said Dodda Ganesh, a former India pacer and long-time friend of Johnson. Ganesh remembered their shared experiences on the field. "Later we played together for state and the country. That Karnataka bowling attack was the Indian bowling attack for a long time."

"Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon 'Benny'!" Anil Kumble posted.



"Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered," Jay Shah posted on X.



Domestic Career Highlights
Johnson's domestic cricket career was marked by significant achievements. Over the course of 39 First-Class matches, he claimed an impressive 125 wickets. His notable performances included four five-wicket hauls and a remarkable ten-wicket haul in a single match. One of his standout domestic performances came during the 1995-96 Ranji Trophy season, where he achieved bowling figures of 10 for 152 against Kerala. This performance was pivotal in earning him a place in the national squad.

International Debut and Performances
Johnson made his Test debut for India against Australia in a one-off Test in New Delhi in 1996. In this match, he managed to make an immediate impact by dismissing the Australian opener Michael Slater. This match marked the beginning of Johnson's brief international career.

Tour of South Africa
Following his debut, Johnson was included in the Indian squad for the tour of South Africa. He played in the first Test of the series and continued to demonstrate his fast-bowling prowess by taking the wickets of Herschelle Gibbs and Brian McMillan. Despite his promising start, this would be one of his last appearances for the national team.

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