Mitchell Johnson to take up coaching, according to bowling partner Ryan Harris
After retiring midway from the series against New Zealand, Mitchell Johnson will again spring a surprise, according to what his former Australia teammate and fast bowler Ryan Harris said to Fox Sports. Harris, who is currently the U-19 bowling coach for the Australia A side, hinted that Johnson might consider coaching
Mitchell Johnson has played 73 Tests, claiming 311 wickets for Australia, ranking only behind Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee in the list of most Test wickets for Australia. He was the key figure in Australia's 5-0 Ashes sweep in 2013-14, claiming a staggering 37 wickets across the five Tests and leaving an indelible mark with his pace and intimidation.
Usually not very socially active, Johnson planned to go off from cricket entirely. But now, this decision certainly comes as a surprise. Ryan Harris, who is close to the speedster, told that Johnson was always eager to help the youngsters by sharing his experiences with them through coaching.
“I know for a fact that Mitch has an interest in coaching and particularly in coaching young bowlers and helping them develop,’’ Harris said.
“Sometimes he can come across as a scary fast bowler, but off the field he is very thoughtful and is a good thinker about the game.”
Might also become a carpenter, jokes Mitchell
Johnson is known to have shared a lot with Harris, and the two spent a lot of time together. The latter said that Mitchell’s announcement of retiring from all forms of international cricket came as a shock to him as well. He said although Johnson was keen to take a ‘final’ break from cricket, he wished to play out the summer.
Johnson also hinted that he wanted to take up the role of coaching youngsters and helping them with his experience. “Maybe I can become a bowling coach with Ryan Harris and go on a few under-19s tours,’’ he was quoted as saying.
“My body is pretty sore at the moment after all the years of banging them down but a little Twenty20 stuff will be on the cards in the near future.
“I have been asking my mates if they have any jobs to employ me. I have a mate who is a roof carpenter so I might get on the roof and do some stuff there.’’