Mitchell Johnson admits he’s gunning for a Test recall but says his immediate focus is on striking fear into England’s batsman in the limited overs series.
Johnson marked his return to the international scene with two wickets in Australia’s 39-run win over England in the opening Twenty20 in Southampton on Thursday.
The 31-year-old was overlooked for the Ashes but former paceman Brett Lee this week called for him to be brought back for the return series this summer to give the Australian attack some raw pace.
Johnson admitted it was strange watching the first Test from his couch but felt was not bitter and felt he was in a good place both on and off the cricket field.
“I’d love to get back playing Test match cricket and get playing in the next Ashes series,” Johnson said after taking 2-41 on a batting-friendly wicket at the Rose Bowl.
“I’d love to win an Ashes … but at the moment my focus is the shorter form.
“My progress after my toe injury (in late 2011) has been exactly how I want it to be and I’ve felt like my bowling is exactly how I want it to be now.
“I’m bowling with good pace, when the conditions are right I can swing the ball and bowl that good short ball again.
“To be able to to do that tonight, to put a bit of fear hopefully in their eyes, that’s why I want to play.”
Lee felt Johnson could add some variety which he felt was lacking from Australia’s Ashes pace attack in England.
Johnson is keen to embrace the role of intimidator.
“You look at past teams and there’s always been someone that can do that and be intimidating,” Johnson said.
“I just want to go out there and do that kind off stuff.”
Johnson’s hopes of a Test recall could be boosted by a hamstring injury to Ryan Harris while a strong, consistent showing in the upcoming T20 and one-day games will likely be essential.
Australia play their second T20 match against England at Chester-Le-Street on Saturday before an ODI against Scotland on Tuesday and a five-game ODI series against the Old Enemy.
Dan Ced
Guest
He has proved time and time again how much of a match-loser he is. Shouldn't we be selecting what is basically a big bash all stars team for T20? People who don't play big bash shouldn't be eligible. You know you're in trouble when Nannes and Hogg are 2 of the best bowlers in last years domestic T20 comp, but the selectors keep selecting youngsters on their potential. It's ridiculous. Also, Klinger!
colvin
Guest
Mitchell Johnson's test record; 205 wickets at 30.93 1406 runs at 21.96 17 catches. Not the best in the world but definitely not the worst. It's really up to him. If he can earn his place back then he should be accepted. But it's a bit much to deride him and not recognize that he remains a significant player in the wider Oz setup. As an aside, who remembers the time he tried to intimidate Scott Styris of NZ when after the two sledged each other he head butted Styris when Styris was wearing a helmet. Source of great mirth in NZ.
brother mouzone
Guest
nnnooooooooooooooooooooo
ChrisUK
Guest
I don't think there's any doubt that Johnson at his best would be an asset for any side. At his best.
Nudge
Guest
I wouldn't rule him out completely just yet. His last 2 years before he got injured were terrible. But the few years before that he was lethal at times. If he gets back to that form and australia get desperate he's a chance. Interesting that he virtually has the same test match bowling average as broad and Anderson
Ivan the Tolerable
Guest
You'd like to think the Johnson experiment is over. Bird, Starc and a possibly-fit Pattinson are going all-out to be the fourth bowler beside Siddle, Harris and Lyon. I can see some rose-tinted glasses winning Invers over before the Perth Test, mind...
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
He's a fantastic limited overs bowler (which many people overlook) but his days in the baggy green should be finished. We've proved the way to trouble the Eng batsman is to suffocate them not to try to blast them out with erratic, occasionally brilliant bowling.
Pudd
Guest
Dear god no -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
swerve
Guest
+1
swerve
Guest
Extras will get a belting this summer. Johnson's like having an extra batsmen in your side.
ChrisT
Guest
When Mitch plays test cricket, the guy with fear in his eyes is usually the keeper ....
RobRoy
Guest
For Australia's sake I hope Ryan Harris stays fit. From an England point of view - bring on Mitch!