Love, not money, driving Johnson

Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson says he would "love" to play for the Perth Scorchers in next summer's KFC Big Bash League.

Johnson retired after the second Trans-Tasman Test against New Zealand at the WACA Ground last November, ending a stellar international career as Australia's fourth-highest Test wicket-taker.

The 34-year-old returned to bowling this week in preparation for his stint in the Indian Premier League with franchise Kings XI Punjab, alongside ex-Australia teammates Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh and Victoria allrounder Marcus Stoinis.

And while Johnson is focused on getting through the season with Kings XI, he says he has one eye on the BBL after another record-breaking year for the five-year-old tournament.

"I just want to go over there (to India) and play well and do well for the franchise (Kings XI)," Johnson told ABC Grandstand on Wednesday night.

"Any team that I play in I'm always giving it my best.

"I want to try and win it (the IPL) over there and then maybe look at the Big Bash.

"It really did take off this last summer. I had friends and family, (his) brother-in-law talking about getting me to come watch games with him. The support behind it has been amazing.

"I'd love to play at the Scorchers."

Johnson's rapid left-arm thunderbolts and powerful lower-order hitting would be a handy addition to any BBL side, with at least three clubs expressing early interest. 

He was contracted to the Brisbane Heat for the first three seasons of the competition, but due to international commitments and injury, failed to take the field for the BBL|02 champions.

While Johnson commands top dollar in the IPL, he says money will not be a driving force behind where he ultimately decides to play.

"I'll be brutally honest – it's really hard for me to play for money," Johnson said.

"I've never played for money and that's what I'm finding a bit difficult (choosing a BBL club) at the moment.

"There is this big cash sign in front of you. They want you to come over and do well.

"I think once I start practicing, getting back into it and getting over there (India) I think that will all change.

"I won't be worried about any of that and I will just play for the love of it. I've never been able to play just for the money."

Johnson started bowling for the first time in seven weeks last week, but is confident once he crosses the white boundary line the competitive juices will once again start flowing.

A placid, humble man off the field, Johnson turns terroriser with ball in hand, whether it be white or red, and says his transformation from Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde on the cricket field comes naturally and from his heroes he watched growing up.

And a certain facial hair addition. 

"Being a fast bowler and watching on TV, one of my heroes was Curtly Ambrose, watching him bowl and intimidating batsmen." Johnson said.

"It was just a switch. I would walk over that line and I just wanted to win.

"I wanted to do it in the fairest way possible. Sometimes you get to the point where you get close to overstepping the mark a little bit.

"It was more about beating guys on skill and having that aggressive approach as well. The mo did help that in the 2013-14 series."