Aaron Johnson delivered a standout performance for Canada in Match 22 of the T20 World Cup 2024 against Pakistan on June 11 in New York. Scoring 52 off 44 balls, with four fours and four sixes, Johnson helped Canada achieve a competitive total of 106/7 despite their struggles. His innings ended when Naseem Shah penetrated his defense.
Johnson became the first player in the tournament to score a half-century on a challenging New York pitch. Debuting for Canada in 2022, Johnson has accumulated 1,000 international runs, maintaining an impressive T20I average of over 45. Before the World Cup, he was the top batter in the bilateral series against the USA with 124 runs.
Here are five intriguing facts about the Canadian opener:
1. Reserve for Jamaica’s First-Class Team :
Born in Jamaica, Johnson grew up on a farm and played cricket with his cousins. His talent shone in club cricket, leading to his selection in the reserves for the Jamaican first-class team. However, he never got the opportunity to play for the team due to the presence of established openers like Chadwick Walton and John Campbell.
2. Relocation to Canada in 2019 :
Facing limited opportunities in the West Indies, Johnson moved to Canada in 2019. He secured a scholarship from Keyano College and obtained Canadian citizenship after three-and-a-half years. Before gaining citizenship, he played for Shepherd’s Bush Cricket Club in the Middlesex League and the British Columbia team in Canada Club cricket.
3. First Canadian with Multiple T20I Centuries :
Johnson made his T20I debut in 2022 during the Desert Cup against Bahrain. In just his second match, he scored an unbeaten 109 off 69 balls against Oman. His second T20I century came in October 2023, with an unbeaten 121 off 59 balls against Panama.
4. Key Role in Canada’s T20 World Cup Qualification :
During the 2023 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier, Johnson was in excellent form, becoming the leading run-scorer for Canada with 187 runs in five innings. He averaged 46.75 and had a strike rate of 185.14. Notably, he scored 121* against Panama and 47 off 19 balls against the Cayman Islands, helping Canada reach the regional final and ultimately qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024.
5. Close Relationship with Colin de Grandhomme :
In 2023, Johnson played for the Brampton Wolves in the GT20 Canada, scoring 107 runs at a strike rate of 138.96, with a top score of 48*. During this time, he formed a close bond with former New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme.
Johnson spoke highly of de Grandhomme’s humble nature, stating, “One person, I’ve been closest to in that team was Colin de Grandhomme. He is such a humble person. He’s probably the most humble cricketer I have seen. It’s a great experience. These guys have loads of experience and they give you advice on how to go about certain stuff.”
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