Mitchell Johnson rules out international return

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ANI Melbourne [Australia]
Last Updated : Jan 13 2017 | 12:28 PM IST

Former Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson has hosed down the prospect of making a return to the national team, saying he is enjoying his time in domestic cricket and probably doesn't deserve to be picked anyway.

Johnson has been in impressive form for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL), having scalped a total of seven wickets from five games he played so far.

Keeping the same in mind, off-spinner Nathan Lyon floated the prospect of Johnson coming out of international retirement if Australia's selectors sounded out the paceman's interest for next month's T20 series against Sri Lanka.

The 35-year-old bowler, who took retirement from international cricket in November 2015, has insisted that it is a decision he doesn't regret.

"Look, I don't think so. I don't think that will ever happen. The ears prick up a little bit. But I'm happy playing this sort of format (domestically). It's a lot more relaxed. I feel like there's a bit more of that fun playing the Big Bash," cricket.com.au quoted Johnson as saying.

Johnson further said he is probably not up to the standard which is required to be recalled in the squad.

"When you go to that next level, there's definitely something different. You really have to step up. I'm probably not up to that standard. There are other guys there that are playing much better - AJ Tye for instance. He's playing much-better cricket than I am," he added.

Johnson's enjoyment of the BBL has also convinced him to try out offers from T20 leagues around the world.

The left-hander, who played last season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), also said he was considering an offer to compete in Pakistan's T20 league as well.

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First Published: Jan 13 2017 | 12:07 PM IST

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