Johnson says mother not responsible for his poor Test form

WARWICKSHIRE - Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has denied that a public falling out with his mother, Vikki Harber, is the reason behind his worrying Ashes form slump.

According to The Age, it was suspected that a public verbal attack on Johnson and his fiancée, Jessica Bratich, by Harber, had led to his sub-par performances in the Cardiff and Lord’s Tests.

Harber accused Bratich of stealing Johnson from her and said in a television interview that her son’s partner was more interested in money and fame than Johnson’s career.

But Johnson said the issue had not weighed on his mind during the opening two Tests

“It probably might seem, at this time, like things have been distracting me. I was a bit disappointed with what has been going on, but I don’t let things like that distract me,” Johnson told Woman’s Day.

“Otherwise, you are thinking about what’s going on when you are in the field and you can’t focus.”

After repeatedly shunning requests for interviews in the past week, Johnson decided to broker peace through the woman’s magazine with his mother - who he hasn’t spoken to him since January.

“The message I want to say is hopefully things can work out and be resolved,” he said.

Johnson and Bratich are set to marry in May next year at a beachside ceremony near Broome, and he hopes Harber will attend.

“Obviously you want both your parents at your wedding - it’s a pretty big deal - so hopefully, when that time comes, everything is fine,” Johnson said.

Bratich said she was willing to forgive Harber for the outburst. (ANI)