Martin Johnson (writer)
Martin Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | March 13, 2021 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Sports journalist |
| Years active | 1980s–2010s |
| Known for | Cricket correspondent at The Independent; sports feature writer for the Daily Telegraph; contributor to The Sunday Times |
Martin Johnson (23 June 1949 – 13 March 2021) was a prominent English sports journalist recognized for his contributions as cricket correspondent at The Independent, a sports feature writer for the Daily Telegraph, and a contributor to The Sunday Times. His reporting covered a broad spectrum of sports including cricket, rugby union, boxing, rowing, golf, show jumping, and the Olympics.
Life and career
Johnson received his education at Monmouth School and initiated his journalism career with the South Wales Argus. He subsequently moved to the Leicester Mercury before joining The Independent in 1986. He became well-known for his sharp wit and distinctive writing style. During England’s 1986-87 cricket tour of Australia, following a disappointing start, he humorously remarked that the English side faced three main issues: "They can’t bat, they can’t bowl and they can’t field." After England's eventual series victory, he reflected with: "Right quote, wrong team."
Between 1995 and 2008, Johnson was employed by the Daily Telegraph and later contributed to The Sunday Times. Despite not being famed for breaking exclusive stories—earning the ironic nickname "Scoop"—he was admired for his keen insights and sense of humor. One notable story recounts how he was assigned to cover the heavyweight boxing bout between Lennox Lewis and Ray Mercer, but mistakenly traveled to Las Vegas while the event took place in New York City.
Johnson’s articles were known for blending perceptive commentary with humor. He famously described English batsman David Gower as "so laid back, he’s almost horizontal," found Shane Warne’s spin dismissal of Mike Gatting in 1993 perplexing, and vividly portrayed bowlers such as Angus Fraser and Australian Merv Hughes with colorful language.
David Gower commended Johnson as a talented writer who entertained both himself and his audience while maintaining strong independence. Johnson’s enduring impact lies in his distinctive voice and the enthusiasm he brought to sports journalism. A passionate golfer, he died on 13 March 2021 at age 71 after a prolonged illness.
Bibliography
- "World Cup Cricket '87", co-authored with Henry Blofeld, Kingswood Press, 1987, ISBN 978-0434981427
- "The Ashes 1989", Simon & Schuster Ltd, 1989, ISBN 978-0671653330
- "Gower: The Autobiography", written with David Gower, CollinsWillow, 1992, ISBN 978-0002184137
- "Can’t Bat, Can’t Bowl, Can’t Field", Willow, 1997, ISBN 978-0002187862
- "Can I Carry Your Bags?: The Life of a Sports Hack Abroad", Constable, 2015, ISBN 978-1472111937