Pace great Mitchell Johnson will take on his new Scorchers teammates in Western Australia's Festival of Cricket
Johnson signs on for Festival of Cricket
Former Australia spearhead Mitchell Johnson is the latest big name to commit to Tuesday’s Western Australia Festival of Cricket Twenty20 exhibition match.
The left-arm paceman will represent the Australian Legends XI in their fixture against KFC Big Bash League outfit Perth Scorchers.
Johnson signed for the Scorchers in August after a decorated career at international level, but he will come up against his new teammates in the clash at Aquinas College Ground in Perth.
Quick single: Lara returns for Festival of Cricket
The game will be Johnson’s first tune-up ahead of BBL|06, with the Scorchers also due to play two internal practice matches next week.
West Indies legend Brian Lara has been confirmed as a starter, alongside Australian legends Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and Andrew Symonds.
South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs will join Lara in the legends side, with Ryan Campbell flying in from Hong Kong.
Johnson retired from international cricket last November, with his 73-Test career garnering 313 wickets – the fourth most by an Australian – at an average of 28.40.
The fiery fast bowler is set to light up the BBL as the Scorchers chase a third title in four years.
Perth will start their campaign against the Adelaide Strikers at home on December 23.
Quick single: BBL Fantasy preview: Scorchers
With anticipation high to see legends of the game in action once more, the match will be streamed live on cricket.com.au and the CA Live app for free.
The Festival of Cricket has fast become one of Western Australia's most anticipated annual cricket events and another huge crowd is expected for this year's event, with limited tickets remaining for the clash at the Aquinas College Ground in Perth.
"The Festival of Cricket presents the public and corporates with a unique opportunity to not only watch a high-quality T20 match in a relaxed, social environment, but also to mix and mingle with many current and past greats of the game," Gilchrist has said of the event.
"The chance to run around with a bunch of old mates and pit ourselves against the Scorchers is exciting and sure to be entertaining for all."
It will be the third time KFC Big Bash League outfit Perth Scorchers have faced the Legends XI. The match will feature legends of the game but will be more than just an exhibition match, with the hit-out serving as a serious warm-up for the Scorchers ahead of their BBL campaign.
Legends XI squad: Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Andrew Symonds, Brian Lara, paris, Matthew Pavlich, Ryan Campbell, Mitch Johnson, Clint Hinchcliffe, Liam O'connor, Sam Whiteman, Michael Kasprowicz
The Festival of Cricket will be live streamed on cricket.com.au and the CA Live app for free. Tickets are available from $25 for adults and $15 for children, and can be purchased here.