Big Bash League champions Brisbane Heat have re-signed leading Twenty20 free-agent Mitchell Johnson for the next two years.

The Australian one-day paceman and fringe Test quick signed a one-year deal with the Heat last season but did not play a game as Brisbane stormed home to win the second edition of the BBL.

Johnson’s signing was announced on Wednesday along with the retention of gloveman Chris Hartley, rising batsman Joe Burns and towering fast bowler Nick Buchanan.

The 31-year-old, who has 36 wickets at 20.11 in T20 internationals, was judged the No.1 free-agent heading into the tournament’s recruitment window.

The former Queenslander, now based in Perth, will potentially play against his WA-based teammates in Brisbane’s BBL opener, the grand final rematch against the Perth Scorchers at the Gabba on 22 December.

The Heat have also secured their second international player, with English one-day and T20 batsman-keeper Craig Kieswetter joining New Zealander Dan Vettori as their two overseas players.