Mitchell Johnson becomes Australia’s 4th highest wicket-taker in Tests

Mitchell Johnson (above) dismissed New Zealand batsman Doug Bracewell in the 121st over to get rid of the batsman and achieve the remarkable feat © Getty Images

Australia speedstar Mitchell Johnson became the fourth highest wicket-taker for Australia in Test cricket on Day 3 of the second of the three-match Test series against New Zealand at the WACA in Perth on Sunday. Johnson dismissed New Zealand batsman Doug Bracewell in the 121st over to get rid of the batsman and achieve the remarkable feat. It was his in only wicket in the match so far and had to wait 24 overs to get the wicket. Nevertheless, he has so far claimed 311 wickets as he goes past Brett Lee and is precedded by the table topper and legend Shane Warne, followed by Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee. SCORECARD: Australia vs New Zealand 2015, 2nd Test at Perth

Meanwhile, Warner and Taylor have combined to form another world record. Taylor’s 235* is the second-highest score of the Test (after Warner’s), which is ninth on the all-time list of second-highest scores in a single Test, and the highest on Australian soil. Surprisingly, the seventh name on the list came just a month ago, when Shoaib Malik’s 245 was bettered by Alastair Cook’s 263 at Abu Dhabi. David Warner, Ross Taylor combine to create record

Also, Kane Williamson joined elite company when he and Ross Taylor posted centuries as New Zealand fought back on the third day of the second Test against Australia at the WACA Ground on Sunday. In reply to Australia’s formidable 559 for nine declared on a placid wicket, the Kiwis were 406 for three at tea, still trailing by 153 runs but looking well-placed to at least save the match. Taylor had emerged from a form slump and was 165 not out, with captain Brendon McCullum on 21.