'Rejuvenated' Johnson has 'fire back in belly' after making Oz team return

Sydney, Sep 13: Australian left arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has said he has revived his passion for cricket after spending all of last summer on the sidelines recovering from a serious toe injury.

Johnson was a part of the Australian squad against Pakistan in the recently concluded limited over series in the United Arab Emirates.

“The last 12 months before I got injured were a bit of a low point for me. I was up and down with my cricket, and there were times there, where I didn''t enjoy it,” News.com.au quoted Johnson, as saying.

“But I''m definitely enjoying it now, and, I just want to go out there and play. It doesn''t matter who I''m playing for, I just want to go out there and do a job,” he added.

Johnson, who was seriously lacking in confidence before being struck down by injury last November, said a return to the Test team was definitely on the cards, but not at the forefront of his mind.

“I''m not looking at Test match cricket. I''m just looking to play for WA and get a bit of cricket under my belt,” Johnson said.

“Going to England and playing for Australia A was good just to get back into things and then going over to Dubai and playing in those conditions helped get me in a good position right now with my fitness and just get some bowling under my belt,” he added.

“I''m starting to feel really comfortable again with my game. I''ve been able to work on a few things in the time I''ve had and I think that showed in the tournament against Pakistan,” he said.

Johnson further added: “I''m really excited about the future. I feel like I''ve got lots to give in Australian cricket, whether it''s for Australia or WA, I''m always going to go and give it my best.”