‘Born again’ Johnson desperate to make up for ‘unfinished business’ with England

SYDNEY - Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson insists that he is ready to “knock over” England batsmen when the first Ashes Test begins in Brisbane on November 25.

Johnson was ridiculed for his performance in the 2009 Ashes series in England, where he took 20 wickets at an average of 32.55.

“I really have unfinished business with England. I didn’t show the real me last time so I’m desperate to make up for that now,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Johnson, as saying.
“I am more confident and more prepared now so I know I can knock over guys like Strauss and Pietersen. I have some plans for them this time,” he added.

The 29-year-old further insists that the experience in England has made him “a tougher character” and ready to handle the demands of another Ashes battle.

“After facing them in five Tests I know a lot more about them. You will see a different bowler, no doubt about it. My body language will be completely different. At Lord’s [in 2009] it was pretty obvious I was struggling. England’s batsmen could see I was vulnerable,” Johnson said.

“Now whatever is happening, if I bowl a bad ball I am going to stick my head up, push my chest out and be more intimidating, hide my emotions and be a more positive force,” he added.

The left-arm fast bowler was Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the recent two-Test match series in India, taking eight wickets at an average of 32.62 and strike rate of 59.

However, he took only one wicket in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at an average of 128 and economy rate of 5.81. (ANI)