Mitch Johnson aims to bring zing to BBL

Aug 2, 2016 - 4:53 AM Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson is adamant he can still get rival batsmen hopping as he prepares for his long-awaited Big Bash League debut for the Perth Scorchers this summer.

Johnson received offers from several other BBL franchises but says the only team he wanted to play for were the Scorchers.

The 34-year-old was unable to play a single BBL fixture over the past five years because of international commitments and he'll enter this summer's edition short of match practice after playing just three IPL games since retiring from the Test arena last November.

But the two-time ICC cricketer of the year is confident he still has the pace and menace that once made him the best in the world.

"In the IPL, in the nets, I was bowling good pace. The guys were jumping around, which was good," Johnson said on Tuesday.

"As soon as I get a sniff of the bounce, I get pretty fired up.

"I got a text from Mike Hussey just saying, 'Give it to the young blokes, don't give an inch'. So he wants me to go pretty hard as well."

Johnson is set to become the WACA's cult hero this summer following the shock departure of fan-favourite Brad Hogg to the Melbourne Renegades.

It's a role Johnson is keen to embrace - and he's looking forward to renewing his friendly banter with Hogg.

"I'm not quite his age," Johnson joked of 45-year-old Hogg.

"Every time I come up against him in the IPL, he'd say, 'I'll leave my stumps open, you just aim at the stumps'.

"And I used to say, 'Mate, I can't hit the stumps, I'm following wherever you go'.

"It's a little bit disappointing he's gone but it's a business."

Scorchers coach Justin Langer played a key role in convincing Johnson to play in the BBL this summer.

He's urging Johnson to have fun and enjoy his stint.

Johnson's other role will be to mentor the side's younger bowlers, including Joel Paris and Jason Behrendorff, as he sets his sights on a coaching career.

The left-arm quick has only signed a one-season deal but left the door ajar to play on beyond that.

"A lot of the guys talk about how entertaining it is and how much fun they have playing it," Johnson said.

"So you never know. I might actually really enjoy it and want to play a bit more."

Johnson has played 73 Tests, 153 one-dayers and 30 T20s for Australia, making him a strong acquisition for the Scorchers.

Source: AAP