Mitchell Johnson: “I want to help the team go back-to-back”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former Australia left-arm seamer Mitchell Johnson has inked a new deal with the Perth Scorchers that will see him representing the reigning champions in the 2017/18 Big Bash League (BBL).

Johnson was the Scorchers’ top wicket-taker in his maiden BBL season in 2016/17 as he took 13 wickets in nine matches at an average of 15.46. He also had the best economy rate at 5.91.

In addition to this, he etched his name in the record books during the tournament as he bowled the most economical spell in BBL history. The 35-year-old finished with figures of 3-3 off his four overs in the Scorchers’ semi-final clash against the Melbourne Stars.

“Returning for another season is a pretty easy decision when you’ve got a team like the Perth Scorchers,” Johnson said. “Not only have they played well over the years, but they’re also a great bunch of blokes.

“If I’m honest and look at what happened last year – winning the BBL title with the Scorchers and then winning the Indian Premier League with the Mumbai Indians – I should probably retire on a high, but Twenty20 is more and more becoming a game that the older guys can play.”

Johnson added that the possibility of retaining the BBL title was another reason why he decided to re-sign with the Scorchers.

“I also feel like there’s some unfinished business,” he said. “I want to help the team go back-to-back and, given this is the last season at the WACA Ground, I really can’t wait to get back out there and enjoy the atmosphere the amazing crowd creates.”

Perth Scorchers Squad: Adam Voges (c), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam Whiteman