Published: Aug 03, 2016, 09:59 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 03, 2016, 09:59 AM (IST)
Australia’s former pacer, Mitchell Johnson is eager to add more energy to Big Bash League (BBL) 2016-17 and is adamant that he can still get rival batsmen hopping as he prepares for his long-awaited Big Bash debut for the Perth Scorchers this summer. Johnson received offers from several other BBL franchises but says the only team he wanted to play for were the Scorchers. The 34-year-old was unable to play a single BBL fixture over the past five years because of international commitments and he will enter this summer’s edition short of match practice after playing just three Indian Premier League (IPL) games since retiring from the Test arena in November 2015. ALSO READ: Mitchell Johnson to play for Perth Scorchers in BBL 2016-17
According to Cricinfo, the two-time ICC cricketer of the year is confident he still has the pace and menace that once made him the best in the world. He stated, “In the IPL, in the nets, I was bowling good pace. The guys were jumping around, which was good. As soon as I get a sniff of the bounce, I get pretty fired up.I got a text from Mike Hussey just saying, ‘Give it to the young blokes, do not give an inch’. So he wants me to go pretty hard as well.”
Johnson is set to become the WACA’s cult hero this summer following the shock departure of fan-favourite Brad Hogg to the Melbourne Renegades. It is a role Johnson is keen to embrace and he is looking forward to renewing his friendly banter with Hogg. On this he jokingly said, “I am not quite his age. Every time I come up against him in the IPL, he would say, ‘I will leave my stumps open, you just aim at the stumps’. And I used to say, ‘Mate, I cannot hit the stumps, I am following wherever you go’. It is a little bit disappointing he is gone but it is business”, quoted Johnson.
Scorchers coach Justin Langer played a key role in convincing Johnson to play in the BBL this summer. He has urged Johnson to have fun and enjoy his stint. Johnson’s other role will be to mentor the side’s younger bowlers, including Joel Paris and Jason Behrendorff, as he sets his sights on a coaching career. ALSO READ: Mitchell Johnson wanted to participate in Wimbledon before turning 18
The left-arm quick has only signed a one-season deal but left the door ajar to play on beyond that. “A lot of the guys talk about how entertaining it is and how much fun they have playing it. So you never know. I might actually really enjoy it and want to play a bit more”, Johnson said in conclusion.
