Published: Jan 13, 2016, 03:41 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 13, 2016, 04:14 PM (IST)
Mitchell Johnson, following his recent retirement from international cricket, has expressed his interest to play in Indian Premier League (IPL) and the next season of Big Bash League (BBL). Johnson opted out of BBL this season to take a break and give himself a much-needed rest but has stated recently that he is quite interested to bowl in the Indian domestic league before playing in BBL in the next season. Johnson decided to bid international cricket a final goodbye following the second Test against New Zealand in at the WACA ground in Perth where he was given a lap of honour for his contributions as a cricketer to Australia. READ: Steven Smith and I failed to convince Mitchell Johnson to reconsider retirement: Darren Lehmann
In an interview given to cricket.com.au, Johnson said, “It was a thought this year as well, but I’ll definitely think about it next year. I want to get through the IPL first and enjoy that. That’s how I want to get through life now, just enjoy each moment. I’ll enjoy the IPL and then I’ll look forward to possibly playing in the Big Bash.I haven’t played in it yet but all my friends are raving about it. It’s been really exciting and I think there’s still something there for me if I want to get out there and do the work.”
While Johnson’s hometown club Perth Scorchers revealed that they will be happy to have the potent bowler amongst them, Johnson seemed keener to focus on the upcoming season of IPL with his team Kings XI Punjab. READ: Perth Scorchers hoping to rope in Mitchell Johnson for Big Bash League 2015-16
“The body’s feeling pretty good, I had about six or seven weeks of doing nothing but the body started getting a bit sore so I started training again. I’m really just focused on family stuff still and I’m enjoying that, but it’s getting closer to the time when I’ll need to start think about cricket stuff and get motivated for that. I think this time around it’ll be a really fun experience for me.”
The last season of IPL turned out to be hectic one according to him as it started just after ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and was followed by West Indies tour of Australia. “Last year it was quite different, I went straight from the World Cup into the IPL and straight to the Windies after that. I’ll be refreshed (this time) and ready to go. I think I’ll really enjoy it and make the most of it and hopefully do a bit of coaching to help out the young guys.”
