 During the Ashes tour , Johnston roomed with Doug Ring who was a team @-@ mate in the Richmond and Victorian cricket teams . As Ring was a leg @-@ spin bowler , he and Johnston were in direct competition for a place in the eleven . Australia had traditionally fielded its first @-@ choice team in the tour opener , which was customarily against Worcestershire . When Johnston was omitted in favour of Ring , it appeared he would not be in Bradman 's Test plans . Bradman changed his mind on the morning of the First Test in Trent Bridge when rain was forecast . Johnston was played in the hope of exploiting a wet wicket . He showed his credentials by bowling a total of 84 overs to help Australia to grind out a victory . England batted first and with strike bowler Ray Lindwall breaking down on the first day , Johnston removed Bill Edrich and Joe Hardstaff junior in one over to leave England at 4 / 46 . He returned later in the innings to take 5 / 36 from 25 overs as England were bowled out for 165 . After scoring an unbeaten 17 in a last @-@ wicket partnership of 33 , Johnston bowled 59 overs in the second innings to take 4 / 147 in Lindwall 's absence . Johnston bowled the most overs of any player and was the leading wicket @-@ taker for the match as Australia took a 1 – 0 lead . 
