 Prior to the Second World War , Johnston was a slow @-@ medium and left @-@ arm orthodox spin bowler , but during a practice session , he bowled a quicker ball to Jack Ryder a former Australian captain and Test batsman , who was now a Victorian and national selector . This prompted Ryder to wage a personal campaign to induce Johnston to become a pace bowler . At the same time , Richmond captain Jack Ledward wanted him to bowl spin . Upon the resumption of first @-@ class cricket in 1945 – 46 , Johnston made his first @-@ class debut against Queensland and was entrusted with the responsibility of opening the attack . His maiden wicket was that of leading Test batsman Bill Brown . Johnston took a total of 1 / 84 in a ten @-@ wicket win . He felt that the fast bowling was only for short periods with the new ball , and that he would be allowed to revert to spin bowling as the ball became older . He played a total of seven matches for the season and took 12 wickets at 35 @.@ 08 , with his best performance being 4 / 43 against arch @-@ rivals New South Wales . As a result , he missed the national selection for the tour to New Zealand . 
