With the soreness gone, a refreshed Mitchell Johnson says he’s ready to spearhead Australia’s pace attack in Sunday’s Tri-Series final and the World Cup.

Johnson hasn’t played since succumbing to hamstring soreness following the Boxing Day Test.

The 33-year-old will return for Sunday’s Tri-Series decider at the WACA Ground, and Johnson believes his recent break from cricket will prove to be the perfect tonic ahead of the World Cup.

“I needed a fair bit of a rest,” Johnson told reporters on Friday in Perth.

“It’d been a big 12 months personally, but for all the bowlers as well.

“The UAE was quite tough. We bowled a lot of overs there and then, coming into Australia, the wickets were a little bit flatter than we expected. There were a lot of runs scored through the Test series.

“The body now is fully recovered and ready to go.

“I’m feeling rested. I don’t have any soreness there any more, so I’m feeling pretty good.

“It’s a big match to come into, but I’m as prepared as I can be. I’ve played a fair bit of one-day cricket now and I know what to expect. I’m looking forward to getting out there.”

Mitchell Starc has starred in Johnson’s absence, with the 25-year-old snaring 12 wickets in four matches to lead Australia to the Tri-Series final.

Johnson, who in November was named ICC cricketer of the year for a second time, said he was looking forward to teaming up with his fellow left-armer ahead of the World Cup.

“I’ve been really impressed with him,” Johnson said.

“Earlier in the IPL, he was doing it there and he’s just continued his form. He’s really comfortable with his bowling in one-day cricket. He swings the ball and bowls fast.

“It’s really nice to be able to work with him. He’s young, he’s aggressive and he loves bowling.

“I think we bowl well together in the short form.”

Allrounder Shane Watson (hamstring) is also a chance to return for Sunday’s final.