Published: Jul 26, 2016, 05:49 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 26, 2016, 05:49 PM (IST)
Australia’s former pacer, Mitchell Johnson will play for the Perth Scorchers in Big Bash League (BBL) 2016-17. The 34-year-old signed a contract with Western Australia cricket chiefs. It is believed Johnson has committed to just one season with the Scorchers and that his deal is below maximum contract earnings. The fiery pacer however, stands to earn beyond his contract through the services he could provide for promotional and marketing activities for the tournament. Johnson joins a powerful Scorchers pace-bowling battery that includes Australian limited-overs players Nathan Coulter-Nile, Joel Paris, Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye. It is understood that the chance to mentor those bowlers played a role in Johnson’s decision, as did lengthy discussions with Langer. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test at Kandy
According to Cricbuzz, Johnson had all but confirmed his decision and said, “I’m probably going to sign with the Scorchers, I’m here at the WACA today and I’ll speak to JL (Scorchers coach Justin Langer) and the WACA staff and go from there. It probably looks like I’ll play for the Scorchers at this point in time.”
Johnson, who took 313 wickets in 73 Tests for Australia, had been courted by the Scorchers and Brisbane Heat. He had previously been listed with both the sides in earlier editions of the competition. ALSO READ: Mitchell Johnson aims of becoming batting all-rounder in T20 leagues
Due to injury and international commitments, Johnson has never played in the BBL and on this he added, “I have not played in the Big Bash yet in my whole career, so I’m looking forward to getting out there and having a crack.”
