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I hoped Hussey's luck ran out but it didn't: Johnson
Mitchell Johnson was at the receiving end so to speak.
- Kieron Pollard makes a point, quite literally!
With leaders Chennai Super Kings having restricted Mumbai Indians to a paltry 139 for five at the Wankhede stadium, it was imperative for the hosts to start well with the ball.
That is precisely what the Australian did. However, in his endeavour he didn't quite get the support from the field.
And if the fielder in question is Kieron Pollard, one of the best in the side, the disappointment was bound to multiply.
The Australian could only look in frustration as the West Indies player dropped opener Michael Hussey thrice in succession in the first over.
'It was bizarre'
It was an unprecedented instance and left the bowler both bemused and frustrated. However, in the final analysis, the frustration made way for elation.
Mumbai Indians thumped the visitors by 60 runs, dismissing them for just 79 even before the second strategic time-out could be taken.
It was the end result that mattered, not the dropped catches.
In fact, Mumbai actually proved that catches don't necessarily win you matches.
"It was bizarre," admitted Johnson, after the match.
"I have never seen that happen before," he continued, adding, "It's quite amazing what happened and I don't think I'll see that happen again.
Johnson even had a few words of consolation for Pollard
To his credit, the Australian did not get demoralised by the multiple blemishes. He, in fact, hit back with renewed vigour in his second over.
He was duly rewarded: Murali Vijay (2) dragging the first ball to his stumps before Pollard made amends in the second, catching the dangerous Suresh Raina (0).
Three balls later, Johnson had S Badrinath (0) out leg before and it was his three-wicket over that actually swung the match in Mumbai's favour.
The Australian, named the man-of-the-match for his effort, later even had a few words of consolation for Pollard.
'Luck factor' favoured Hussey
"The first one was tough. The two after that... well, It happens in the game," said Johnson, before proceeding to explain on his point.
"All three were different heights," he continued, adding, "One high, one low and the other hit his nose.
"Thankfully he is okay and, in fact, he came back on the field to take the next one (Raina) that came to him.
"Look, he's taken some unbelievable catches in the past. We all stuck behind him and won the game. That's what matters."
While Pollard's blemishes did not prove costly for Mumbai, Johnson was quick to point out on the 'luck factor' that favoured his compatriot (Hussey).
"I said before the game to Ricky Ponting that I hope his (Hussey) luck has run out," said the bowler.
"Obviously, it hadn't," he added, tongue-in-cheek.