Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson wants to play international cricket until he’s 35, but his immediate focus is on rattling England with some fiery bouncers during this summer’s Ashes series.
Johnson hasn’t played Test cricket for more than seven months, but has rocketed into Ashes calculations following his recent hot form in India and a series of injuries to Australia’s other pacemen.
The 51-Test veteran admits he failed to deal with the pressure during the 2009 Ashes series in England, where the Barmy Army feasted on his fragile mental state.
But Johnson is now primed for Ashes redemption, with the left-arm speedster urging selectors to give him a crack in the first Test against England in Brisbane, starting November 21.
“The big stage of an Ashes series really did get to me,” Johnson said of his 2009 Ashes campaign.
“There were a couple of pretty awful performances by myself.
“But if I get this opportunity again, I know I’m prepared for it and am in a better frame of mind.
“I know exactly what I’m doing, and I think that’s come with a bit of experience, and going through what I went through being over there last time.”
Johnson turned 32 on Saturday, but says the serious toe injury he suffered in November 2011 had left him in good shape to play on into his mid-30s.
“I think having a year out of the game with my toe injury has definitely helped,” Johnson said.
“I was probably burnt out at the stage when I got injured.
“I was just able to freshen up mentally and physically.
“I feel like I’ve got a lot to give in Test match cricket still.
“I guess internationally I’d like to play until I’m 35.
“Whether that’s all three forms or not (I’m not sure). But I’m feeling good and I’m feeling strong.”
Johnson will be aiming to boost his chances of a Test recall when he lines up for Western Australia in their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia, starting at the WACA on Wednesday.
The Redbacks welcome back Phil Hughes from international duty, but lose Michael Klinger for Australia A’s clash with England in Hobart.
