InMobi

Mitch's unfinished business

Aussie quick has Barmy Army in his sights

After spending the summer tormenting England batsmen on home soil, superstar fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has identified an away Ashes series as the major carrot that keeps driving him on.

After a 2009 campaign that he describes as "pretty ordinary" and his omission from the 2013 touring party, the 32-year-old can't wait to test himself one more time in front of the vocal Barmy Army.

"To do it on my home turf was really exciting for me. I was really nervous but deep down I knew that I had done all the work and I was feeling good," said Johnson.

"I just want to get over there, be in front of the crowds over there again. They're pretty harsh over there with their media and their crowds. That's where you can really test yourself.

"I want to get over there, perform over there, and show them what I'm about.

"I want to play another World Cup as well. They are the two goals at the moment."

Johnson travelled to England in 2009, his only away Ashes series so far, as the form player in cricket.

He returned home with 20 wickets at an average of 32.55 and his confidence depleted.

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"I was very up and down over there. I had some good performances but I had some really bad ones as well," the left-arm quick told reporters this week at the Australian team's training camp in Brisbane.

"I was appreciated when I was playing good cricket, but when I wasn't I copped it. That is part of the sport but I want to go over there and show them how consistent I can be."

In more good news for Australian fans, the reigning Allan Border Medal winner has committed to continue playing all three formats of the game.

"I did say something about maybe dropping Twenty20 off, but at the moment I am happy playing all three forms," Johnson declared.

"It's a very short career and I want to try to make the most of it. Now, especially when I've hit a bit of form and I'm playing at my best, the more cricket I can play the better."

Johnson had previously contemplated giving away the shortest format to focus on his Test career, but a successful stint with Kings XI Punjab and a new-found love of the game under Australia coach Darren Lehmann helped the 59-Test veteran change his mind.

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"Having Boof bring that fun side back into the game for us with training sessions and being able to go out and have a beer if you want to, having team dinners, that whole thing is really enjoyable," he said.

The first signs of a rejuvenated Johnson emerged during the 2013 IPL season and, after his services were bought for $1.12 million at the IPL auction, the tournament provides a lucrative financial incentive that he says can't be missed towards the latter end of his career.

"The cash figures that come out of the IPL are unbelievable," Johnson said.

"Towards the end of your career you're able to earn that little bit extra which helps for your future, which is another thing you start thinking about as you get older.

"So I will try and play all three forms as long as I can until that day I don't enjoy myself any more or my form isn't any good, then I'll make a decision. But at the moment, that's not even close."

Johnson said he would continue to work with cricket legend Dennis Lillee, despite a pay dispute ending the coach's relationship with the Australian team in an official capacity.

"That's between Cricket Australia and Dennis but I have always worked with Dennis and I always will," Johnson said.

"I'll always work with Dennis no matter what. I've always had a good relationship with him since the first day I met Dennis here in Brisbane."