LLC 2022: Mitchell Johnson abuses and pushes Yusuf Pathan, the latter smacks him all over the park

The Bhilwara Kings put on a scintillating batting display in the first innings of the first of two qualifiers of the second edition of the Legends League Cricket tournament. Kings had set a daunting target of 227 runs for the India Capitals. Apart from some breathtaking shots, the first innings also produced a controversial moment in the 19th over, when Mitchell Johnson was involved in a heated exchange with the Bhilwara Kings all-rounder Yusuf Pathan.

Bhilwara Kings, led by Irfan Pathan, suffered an early setback after Morne van Wyk was dismissed by an absolute thunderbolt from the retired Aussie pacer Mitchell Johnson. But his compatriot, Shane Watson, took control of the proceedings thereafter and took the Kings to a commanding position in the match.

With their side on the ascendency, the famed power-hitting duo of Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan looked adamant to turn on the heat in the death overs. During the 19th over of the match, Johnson, who was bowling his final over, dished out a few unpleasantries towards the elder Pathan, Yusuf.

The Aussie pacer went on to push Yusuf and shouted 'f**k off', which didn't go well with the Indian all-rounder. The duo's face-off was interrupted by the umpires later. Notably, the Kings imitated a complaint to the umpire over Johnson's behaviour. Interestingly, Yusuf smacked the pacer for 6, 4, 6 in the next three deliveries before getting out in the same over.

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His brother Irfan followed suit in the next over as the Bhilwara Kings finished with the tournament's highest score of 226 runs in their 20 overs. India Capitals went on to chase the target in 19.3 overs, thanks to Ross Taylor's 84-run knock.

Will the LLC reprimand Mitchell Johnson?

According to article 2.12 in ICC Code Of Conduct for players, 'inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person' could result in umpires and match referee reprimanding and fining the involved player. It remains to be seen what the judgement could be on the Aussie pacer.