Mitchell Johnson has declared himself ready for an international comeback after a fiery performance for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania at Bellerive.
The former international cricketer of the year grabbed four wickets and inflicted at least as many bruises with a menacing display of speed with the second new ball.
Johnson’s 4-103 did little to help the Warriors’ cause, though, and they will begin day three at 1-54 in their second innings, still 327 behind the home side’s first dig of 448.
But WA’s dire situation didn’t stop the veteran of 47 Tests declaring he was back near his best and ready to resume a career that earned him the game’s top gong in 2009.
“I know exactly where I’m bowling the ball,” he told reporters.
“That consistency’s right up there again so I’m really happy with how things are going and if the opportunity came along again I’m definitely ready for it.”
The left-armer floored Tigers keeper Tim Paine with a vicious bouncer and hit several other batsmen, delivering a verbal barrage in the process.
He said only a lack of swing in the conditions had stopped him being at his lethal best.
“I think as the game’s gone on, I’ve felt at my best,” he said.
” … I felt like I got the ball through.
“Obviously I got a few quick ones through to Tim Paine.
“I feel like my pace is there but that hasn’t been a real focus for me.
“It’s more being that 85, 90 per cent (and) being able to bowl that quicker ball.”
Earlier, the Tigers piled up a massive 381-run first innings lead on the back of Ben Dunk’s 97, an unbeaten late cameo of 76 from James Faulkner and skipper George Bailey’s 66.
Johnson had threatened to limit the lead, but Faulkner put on 93 for the last wicket with Bird as WA’s wheels fell off.
“Birdy batted exceptionally well to face as many balls as he did and really grind them,” Faulkner said.
The Warriors will resume with Marcus North unbeaten on 33 and Sam Whiteman 19, and with a point to prove to new coach Justin Langer after they made just 67 in their first dig.
