No MiJo for this year’s Big Bash League

Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will not be playing in the Big Bash League this season, it has been confirmed, as he would rather spend time with his family and rest his body.
Johnson retired during the recent Test series against New Zealand, and there was speculation that this would free him up to play for Perth Scorchers. It would have been his first Big Bash appearance.
But Scorchers coach Justin Langer told 6PR on Thursday: "(It) is a real shame because I think everyone in Australia was hoping he'd play.
"And I really respect where he's at. He retired for a reason and he won't be playing."
Langer was still confident that his side could defend their title, adding of the increasing excitement: "You can just start to feel it heating up.
"We've got a good crew of players. Again, the expectations are very high, and that's good.
"A lot will depend on who's playing for Australia and if we can get our best guys on the park."
Meanwhile, the BBL top brass were also disappointed not to have Johnson playing, but Head of the Big Bash League Anthony Everard said that there were plenty of other players to keep the momentum going.
Everard said on the CA website: "We would have been delighted to have a player of Mitch's quality involved.
"We're disappointed that he won't be involved this year, however the quality of players we have this season is the best we've ever had, both in terms of domestic players and overseas players.
"To have guys like Brad Haddin and Shane Watson playing for the first time in a meaningful way is fantastic.
"And then there's the internationals, the likes of Pietersen, Gayle, Sangakkara, Kallis – I could go on.
"The quality is the best we've had in four seasons so there's still a lot of look forward to for fans."
Latest
-
News
Brendon McCullum on the verge of being named England men’s Test coach
The New Zealander could be confirmed in his new role this week.
-
News
Harry Brook eager to press England claims against ‘best ever’ James Anderson
The Yorkshire batter is relishing the chance to take on the Lancashire seamer in this week’s Roses match.
-
News
Ex-NZ captain Brendon McCullum favourite for England Test coach role – reports
The 40-year-old is said to have been interviewed for the position.
-
News
Henry Nicholls doubtful for New Zealand Test opener in England after calf scan
The middle order batter will make the trip to England for the three-Test series but could miss out on the first Test at Lord’s.
-
News
Brendon McCullum emerges as leading contender for England Test coach – reports
The 40-year-old is said to have held talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board and is believed to be interested in the job.
-
News
Former England batter Graham Thorpe ‘seriously ill’ in hospital
The 52-year-old had accepted the job of Afghanistan head coach following his departure from the England set-up after this winter’s Ashes.
-
News
CSA drops charges of gross misconduct and racism against head coach Mark Boucher
Boucher said the allegations “were unjustified and have caused me considerable hurt and anguish”.
-
News
Luke Wright to take up short-term role on New Zealand coaching staff
Wright was part of Paul Collingwood’s T20 World Cup-winning side in 2010 and played 101 white-ball internationals for his country.
-
News
Holland head coach Ryan Campbell discharged from hospital after cardiac arrest
The Dutch Cricket Federation (KNCB) say tests have ruled out a heart attack as the cause of the cardiac arrest.
-
News
Essex draw with Yorkshire as Sir Alastair Cook scores century in both innings
England’s leading Test run-scorer finished unbeaten on 102 at Chelmsford.