After an extended break away from the game, Mitchell Johnson is feeling fresh and ready to prove he still has the pace to unsettle the world's best batsmen
Fired-up Mitch ready to unleash in IPL
Indian Premier League batsmen beware: Mitchell Johnson is back and he's still breathing fire.
Johnson's only competitive game of cricket since retiring from the international arena last November was aclub game in Perth five weeks ago, but the left-armer hasn't lost any of the speed or skill that made him one of the fiercest fast bowlers in the world according to Kings XI Punjab captain David Miller.
"The fire is definitely there and the pace is up there as well," Miller said.
"I don't see why he's not going to do well.
"He's bowling really quickly. He's looking refreshed, strong as well – he's been training really well the last couple of weeks.
"He's swinging the ball as well. In the nets there's a couple of swollen toes."
Expect an invigorated Johnson this season from the tired version that turned out in the wake of the World Cup triumph last season.
"The good sign for me is I’m incredibly excited for the IPL to get underway now," Johnson wrote in his column for Fox Sports.
"That’s certainly not how I was feeling this time last year when I was really flat and physically exhausted after a long summer that included a World Cup.
"Now I’m genuinely pumped to get back onto the field, and even training with my teammates this week gave me a rush I haven’t felt in a while.
"A lot of people think the IPL is all about money but I can guarantee you it isn’t.
"I would find it really hard to be motivated if I was just playing for money – you have to actually have your heart in it.
"I know I do, and I can’t wait to pull on that Kings XI uniform again."
Johnson played 256 matches for Australia in his decorated 10-year career. He's won a World Cup in the green and gold, was twice named the ICC Player of the Year, and was inspirational in Australia's 2013-14 Ashes dominance on home soil.
His international and IPL experience will be utilised by Miller and his charges.
"He's a great asset to the team," Miller said.
"He's played so many international games in his career.
"And he has so much to add to the younger guys and myself as well. I'm looking forward to what he brings to the team."
Kings XI square off against new IPL franchise Gujarat Lions in Mohali in Monday evening.