Australia fast-bowler Mitchell Johnson has rejected an offer to play in the Twenty20 Big Bash League to keep himself fit for a demanding summer.
Johnson decided it would do him little good to squeeze Twenty20 appearances in between Test series against New Zealand and India, and tours to Sri Lanka and South Africa.
“At the moment I’ve decided not to sign with any of the Twenty20 sides,” he told reporters at Australia’s training camp. “The Scorchers approached me and at the moment I’m just happy to focus on the summer coming up.
“With India coming over, it might give me a chance also to go back to grade cricket if the opportunity’s there. We’ve got a big summer coming up and that’s where my main focus is.”
Johnson is, however, aware of his advancing years. “I’m feeling pretty good at the moment,” said the 29-year-old. “I’ve got plenty of years in me. I don’t know if I’m reaching my peak now, but I’m always working as hard as I can to be as strong and fit as I can.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 13th, 2011.
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