Johnson set to return with England stint

Tuesday, 1 May 2012 01:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A rejuvenated Mitchell Johnson is on the cusp of his long-awaited return to cricket with a playing stint in England after sitting out five hectic months for Australian cricket with a toe injury.

The 30-year-old paceman, feeling refreshed in both body and mind, hopes to be back playing for Australia but is set to take up a county contract to play Twenty20 cricket for Durham – this after missing Cricket Australia’s clearance for the IPL and not feeling fully fit for the lucrative Indian competition.

“I was looking at getting to the IPL a little too quickly. I lost focus in getting myself right. It’s a pretty important time in my career to get everything right before I start playing again,” says Johnson.

“I tried to rush a little bit just to play cricket – that didn’t work for me, but the way it’s worked out it will be a lot better for my career. I’d love to be a part of one of those trips.”

“I’d love to be involved in the World Twenty20. I’m also really pushing to go to England. There’s a one-day tour as well as an Australia ‘A’ tour.”

Johnson succumbed to injury last November as Australia fought out a drawn Test series against the Proteas in South Africa – he now credits the moment as being the likely catalyst that extends his playing career.