Dubai: Mitchell Johnson, who has single-handedly revived the cult of the fearsome fast bowler of the 1970s and 80s in recent months, hopes the Australian connection should work well for him and his new team Kings XI Punjab in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The hero of the great Australian turnaround in the last Ashes and in South Africa earlier this year was roped in by the Mohali-based team for a princely sum of $1.1 million (Dh4.03 million) in the February auction.
He will add to a strong Australian flavour in the team, as he is joined by Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh and George Bailey, who will be captaining the side. The first leg of IPL VII will be held across the UAE from April 16 to 30.
“It’s a very balanced outfit and it’s obviously an advantage to have so many of my teammates around. I am sure the team can improve on its past performance in the league,” Johnson told Gulf News in a phone interview with a select group of journalists.
Recuperating from a toe infection that has ruled him out of the ongoing ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, the much talked about international star showed he was in touch with all the action there. “Glenn [Maxwell] showed what he is capable of in the match against Pakistan, while Shaun [Marsh] has been a consistent performer for them [Kings XI]. I have also had very positive feedback about the team’s set-up from Adam Gilchrist, who had been their captain and mentor,” he said.
Added to this will be the presence of Darren Lehmann, the Australian national team coach, who is an old hand in the IPL and will be at the helm of the Kings XI team this season. “He has made a lot of difference to the Australian dressing room, making it fun. However, I am also looking forward to working with the Indian bowlers and sharing my experience with them,” said Johnson, for whom it will be a second IPL after moderate success with Mumbai Indians last year.
The news of Johnson’s toe infection, which spread to his leg, created a bit of scare in cricketing circles, but Johnson allayed fears and confirmed he will be back in action for the IPL. “The infection spread to the leg but I got on top of it early enough. I am feeling good and will get back to my best soon,” he said.
Asked if he is looking to take a bigger responsibility in batting, Johnson said it’s one of his objectives this time around. “Batting really comes handy, especially in the T20 format, where that few extra runs can make a difference. Coming in down the order, it often takes time to get your eye in, but I will be looking to contribute more with the bat this time,” he said.
