Recently retired Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has revealed that he will be available to play the IPL this season. Johnson’s future in the IPL was under the scanner after the left arm pacer had ruled himself out of the Big Bash League this season, in order to spend more time with his family. Johnson also said that he would play the BBL in the next season.
“It was a thought this year as well, but I’ll definitely think about it next year,” Johnson said. 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.”
“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,” Johnson added.
He also spoke of his hectic schedule in 2015, where he played the World Cup, followed it up with the IPL and away test tours of West Indies and England. “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 season) 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.”
On the lighter side, Johnson revealed that he enjoyed watching cricket on TV as much as he enjoyed playing. “It’s a different feeling being at the ground than watching on TV. I watched some of the Test series and didn’t have that urge, but I got here this morning and as soon as the first ball was bowled I started to get the adrenaline rush again. It was hard at first, but I know I’ve made the right decision.”