Mitchell Johnson could play for Perth Scorchers in upcoming Big Bash League
Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is most likely to be in action for the upcoming Big Bash League season. As per the reports of Fox Sports News he admitted that he is keen on signing for Perth Scorches for the BBL. Though, he hasn’t signed yet. Mitchell Johnson retired from Test cricket last summer at the WACA against New Zealand last November. He had a disappointing Indian Premier League season with Kings XI Punjab and his retirement at the age of 34 was not much of a surprise for a fast bowler.
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Johnson stated that the conversation with Perth Scorchers’ coach Justin Langer had helped him re-discover the “fire in the belly.”
The Australian said,“The way Justin has put it to me in the conversations we've had is he wants me to go out there and have some fun. So that takes a lot of pressure off me. I've been so used to being the No.1 strike bowler for so many years; it definitely puts pressure on you to perform.
"He wants me to go and be with the boys, enjoy the atmosphere of the dressing room, train with the boys and help out. That's the big thing I'm looking forward to, being involved with the young guys coming through” said the fast bowler from Queensland.
Johnson also stated that he is looking forward to work with young left-arm spinners like Joel Paris and Jason Behrendorff and guide them because he is possibly looking for opportunities in mentoring and coaching.
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Sharing his thoughts on the matter Johnson also stated, "I see myself more doing more of the mentoring role. Maybe coaching a bit more like what Dennis Lillee did, in that you come in for a week here or there, come into certain teams or work with individual players. I feel that's probably more suited to me than a big team-based (role)."
Mitchell Johnson has been one of the most destructive fast bowlers in his era. He played 73 Tests for Australia and picked up 313 wickets at an average of 28.40. He also gave support to the batting line-up down the order with his only century coming against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, back in 2009 which Australia lost.