 Johnston had a reputation as a poor batsman , averaging less than 13 in Tests and first @-@ class matches without making a half century . He headed the averages in England in 1953 , being not out 16 times out of 17 and averaging 102 @.@ 00 . He attributed this to " a lot of application , concentration and dedication " , stating that " class always tells " . When Hassett realised that Johnston was atop the batting averages , he told Johnston to tell the opposing captain of this fact and ask them to refrain from dismissing him . In the last match against T. N. Pearce 's XI at Scarborough , English Test paceman Alec Bedser bowled wide of the stumps and advised Johnston not to do anything that would lose him his wicket . In 1954 – 55 he made 39 for the last wicket with Neil Harvey as they chased 78 for victory before he edged Frank Tyson to the wicket @-@ keeper Godfrey Evans . 
