Published: Nov 22, 2015, 05:18 AM (IST)
Edited: Nov 22, 2015, 05:18 AM (IST)
Defending champions Perth Scorchers are eyeing to sign up Mitchell Johnson who recently retired from international cricket for the upcoming season of Big Bash League (BBL). The left-arm deadly pacer has also hinted his interest in joining the franchise. Johnson called it a day from international cricket following the second Test between Australia and New Zealand at Perth on Tuesday. He now has plenty of time and should be available for the entire BBL season. Johnson has also been contracted for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) for the 2016 season. The 34 year-old is known for his menacing pace and swing with the ball, which has been very effective shorter formats.
Johnson’s inclusion into the side has bit of a dilemma as the Scorchers have already filled their list for the season which is less than a month away. Still the Scorchers are trying to get him in as ‘replacement player’ and Christina Matthews, Western Australian Cricket Association chief executive has also confirmed Johnson’s interest on this issue.
Matthews was quoted in a report from cricket.com.au while speaking to News Corp saying, “We’ve had indications that he’s keen to play for us. We’re confident that we can work with him and his management to make it all work out.”
Johnson’s addition into the Scorchers side has a long way to go and the inclusion of players like Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh along with Australian national team schedule has a huge role to play. Scorchers will definitely have an advantage if the fiery Johnson plays for them. Johnson has also signed for Scorchers and Brisbane Heat earlier but his national duty towards didn’t let him feature for those teams.
