Speculations are rife about Mitchell Johnson, the former Australian
paceman, likely to pull out from participating in the upcoming season of
the Big Bash League (BBL).
The 34-year-old retired from
international cricket last November and struggled during the recent
Indian Premier League (IPL) playing just three matches for Kings XI
Punjab. Johnson finished with just two wickets at an average of 53
during the tournament but has received interest from Perth Scorchers and
Brisbane Heat ahead of BBL06.
According to a report in The Sunday Times,
the left-arm quick recently sent a letter to the staff at Cricket
Australia (CA), thanking them for their support during his decorated
career - a sign that perhaps his decision has been made.
The Heat
have tabled Johnson an offer for next season and there is still a spot
available for him on its playing roster but they are considering other
options if he decides against it. Sam Halvorsen, Johnson's manager, said
the paceman would make a decision by the end of the month, according to
the report.
Due to his national commitments, Johnson has never
played in the BBL despite being on the Scorchers and Heat's roster in
previous editions. He has previously publicly expressed his keenness in
playing in Australia's Twenty20 competition before his cricket career
ends.
The Scorchers will be keenly awaiting Johnson's decision
after recently losing veteran Brad Hogg after he signed with the
Melbourne Renegades. They have also yet to confirm either of its two
imports with top-order batsman Michael Carberry, who has played the last
two seasons with the Scorchers, was recently diagnosed with cancer
after feeling unwell during a county championship game for Hampshire.
It
is unknown whether David Willey, the England all-rounder, will return
as he won't be available for the entirety of the BBL due to
international commitments.
Justin Langer, the Scorchers coach,
revealed recently that he was keen for South African pacemen Dale Steyn
or Morne Morkel to play for the Scorchers but poaching either of them is
seen as a longshot.

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