Mitchell Johnson rules out international comeback, looking for more T20 offers

Former Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson rewrote history after bowling the most economical spell in the history of the KFC Big Bash League. After guiding his team Perth Scorchers to their 5th final in BBL history, Johnson confirmed his availability for the next edition of the tournament. The left-arm pacer bowled an unbelievable spell of 4-2-3-3 to guide Perth to a comprehensive 7 wicket victory in the 1st semi-final. Perth Scorchers had previously won the title in 2013-14 and 2014-15 sessions.

While Johnson confirmed that he will continue to play T20 cricket, he ruled out any possibility of returning to international cricket citing it “too stressful at the highest level”. “When that’s getting thrown in your face it’s like, ‘It would be nice to play’ but I don’t think I want to play (again for Australia), to be honest. I don’t think it would be as enjoyable for me,” Johnson was quoted as saying by the Wisden India.

“I had my moment in the sun and that’s done and dusted. These young guys are still playing better cricket than what I am. I just don’t think it would work. JL (Justin Langer, the Perth head coach) is the coach for the next (Australia) Twenty20s but it’s too much stress at the top level,” the speedster added.

Johnson is also in search of other T20 offers especially in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL). “I’m definitely keen,” Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. “(I’m) Looking at a few IPL (clubs), I was close to signing in the Pakistan Super League. I think fresh is best. Seems like it works all right. The fresher I stay the better.

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“I still want to play a few games throughout the year. There’s a few little tournaments, not so serious tournaments, that are around later in the year but definitely keen to play for the Scorchers. I will miss playing here (at the WACA ground) but the new stadium would be nice to play at as well.” Johnson has started exploring his options and as of now, he might be seen playing for any of the English County teams in their Championship. His teammates Ian Bell and Tim Bresnan said that there might be spots vacant and he will hope to try his hand at the Natwest T20 Blast.

“It (playing in England) has been mentioned,” Johnson said. “Belly (Bell) and Breso (Bresnan) sort of mentioned that there might be an option. That’s possibly an option because it’s later in the year. As for now, I just wait for this final and then look at the IPL and see what happens after that.”

A stint in the T20 league in England will also mean that Johnson has to rub shoulders with his on-field rival Kevin Pietersen. Saying that he doesn’t have grudges against anyone, Johnson said that the best part of T20 tournaments across the globe is that it allows you to play in the same team with your one-time rival which enhances the relationship between the two parties.

“I don’t hold any grudges,” Johnson said. “That’s where this has been a good tournament because there’s been a few guys I’ve come up against which I might have had a few run-ins with and he was definitely one of them.”

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“I know in the last couple of years, our (Johnson and Pietersen) relationship probably got a little better. As for calling each other up, that’s never happened.

“I did see he said something on Twitter after I retired that it was great playing against me and those kinds of things. It was really nice and you should have relationships from playing cricket. Who knows, if I do go over (to England), maybe there’s an opportunity to play in his team and to work alongside him,” Johnson concluded.