Mitchell Johnson desires batting all-rounder role in T20s

Mitchell Johnson, former Australian fast bowler, on Monday (June 20) revealed his desire to play Twenty20 cricket around the world in a slightly different role than what he is accustomed to. Having garnered a reputation over the years as a fearsome fast bowler, Johnson now wants to play as a batting all-rounder.
"It's still something I'm thinking about right now and I'm not in a rush to make a decision just yet but maybe change my role in the team in certain conditions," Johnson told cricket.com.au. "Maybe become a bit more of a batting all-rounder or something like that. As long as I can still bowl a couple of balls at that 145 mark and still rattle a few guys, I think that's still a good weapon to have."
Johnson has a Test century to his name to go with 11 half-centuries. He was also renowned for his big-hitting and has played some useful cameos for Australia in the shorter versions.
He retired from international cricket last year in November after the home series against New Zealand and then went on to play in the Indian Premier League for Kings XI Punjab. The 34-year-old played only three games for the franchise and was taken apart for plenty. He admitted that he has to bring in some variations in his bowling in the T20 format especially in batting friendly conditions.
"It's Twenty20 cricket and you've just got to be a bit smarter, it's not about bowling fast all the time as I've found out in IPL," he said. "You can't just bowl fast every ball, especially on those wickets you need to be able to adapt quickly and use your changes of pace.It always depends on conditions."
Having turned down an opportunity to play in the Big Bash League last year, Johnson is now willing to have a crack this season. "I'll look at the Big Bash, I haven't played in the Big Bash yet so it would be something to tick off," he said.
"A lot of the guys talk about how big it's become and it's a really exciting tournament now, the crowds are definitely turning up for it and really enjoying it. Then look at the Pakistan League, the IPL again and maybe the Caribbean (Premier League). Whether teams are interested or not... if it doesn't happen that way, then I'm not too fussed about it. But if I get that opportunity again, then I'd give 100 per cent and I always want to do the best job for the team."