A strapping fast bowler born in Australia, JohnstonS-B-Cs career began at New South Wales where he played alongside the likes of Mark Taylor, Michael Slater and Brett Lee, before choosing to represent Ireland. A positive captain who led from the front, he had little problem motivating his side - as demonstrated when Ireland bounced back from a disappointing World Cricket League in Kenya, where they finished 5th, to demolish the United Arab Emirates and qualify for the final of the Intercontinental Cup. He tore the heart out of the UAE batting line up in their second innings taking three for eight from his eight overs as Ireland recorded a morale-boosting victory by an innings and 170 runs. He led Ireland to a thrilling tie against Zimbabwe in their first match of the 2007 World Cup before beating Pakistan - Johnston hit the winning runs - to record one of the biggest upsets in history.