Mitchell Johnson credits Pharrell Williams' 'Happy' for lethal success

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has revealed that he has a song in his head when he takes the ball in his hand to torment helpless batsman and that song is 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams.

Men's Health magazine has quoted Johnson as saying that when he is out in the middle now, he just has a song in his head. The interview would appear in the December issue of the magazine.

Johnson claims that that way, his mind doesn't fill with thoughts. He says that he learnt this trick from Glenn McGrath, adding that if one has got a song in his head, there's no room for bad thoughts, News.com.au reported.

And the song Johnson says that he likes is Pharrell Williams' 'Happy' by American singer Pharrell Williams. He claims that the song reminds him of his daughter.

The unusual song choice is part of a unique mental approach, which Johnson credits for his wild success in recent years.

The fast bowler was almost lost to international cricket earlier this decade because of inconsistent performances. He admits he was actually hoping to get injured to avoid the pressure of performing at the highest level and considered quitting all together.

Johnson said that that is something he doesn't like to admit, but it's true. He added that he wanted to get injured and admitted that he considered walking away from the game at that point.

But the pacer says that his wife, Jess talked him out of it, and reasoned with him that he doesn't like to give up.