Cricket World Cup: Mitchell Johnson praised for mentoring Australia’s next batch of quicks

JOSH Hazlewood says Mitchell Johnson will have left Australian fast bowling in good hands if he does ultimately decide to make an earlier exit from the game.

Aussies still in ‘good place’ if Johnson exits

JOSH Hazlewood says Mitchell Johnson will have left Australian fast bowling in good hands if he does ultimately decide to make an earlier than expected exit from the game.

Johnson has made a bigger impact on Australian cricket over the past 18 months than anyone else, but in a testament to the 33-year-old’s character, his contributions haven’t been limited to what he’s done with ball in hand.

He has played an active interest in the development of young stars like Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson.

After a taxing summer on and off the field, Johnson hinted that he might not be a world away from walking off into the sunset, admitting he was unsure about what his cricketing future holds.

Josh Hazlewood says Mitchell Johnson has played a big mentoring role.

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Johnson has emphatically turned around a reputation for inconsistency, to ensure he goes down in Australian fast bowling folklore.

As he approaches the 300 Test wicket milestone in a year which features an Ashes tour as well as this World Cup, Johnson may feel he’s much closer to achieving all his goals than he originally thought.

If that is indeed the case, the left-armer’s incredible patch of dominance will leave a lasting legacy within the Australian dressing room, with Hazlewood praising Johnson for the crucial mentoring role he’s played for the next generation of seamers.

“I think (we’re in a good place),” said Hazlewood.

“We’ve really enjoyed having him around and I know the younger guys – myself, Pat and Starcy have really enjoyed having those senior guys around to learn off.

Mitchell Johnson has indicated the end might not be too far away.

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“He leads by his actions. You just watch him go about his business.

“His preparation, recovery and everything he does on the field, he’s quite a good brain to pick.

“You have to take it upon yourself to ask the questions and get the information out, but he’s got some great experience under his belt.”

Australia will be desperately hoping Johnson can hang around for a couple more years yet, particularly if he can maintain his dominant form.

Johnson still shapes as the centrepiece of Australia’s Ashes plans this winter, but unlike last summer he is no longer the be all and end all.

With Pattinson roaring back in the Sheffield Shield and Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood lighting up Australia’s World Cup hopes – selectors have a stack of options at their disposal for the all-important tour of the UK.

Fellow veteran Ryan Harris will also be key for the Ashes and the development of the up-and-coming stars.

Hazlewood says he’s confident he’s cemented as Australia’s third quick alongside Johnson and Starc for the World Cup opener – even though Cummins was the best performed fast bowler in the last warm-up against India.

However he concedes he’ll need to stay on his toes.

“I feel pretty comfortable with where I’m at,” he said.

“I feel like I’m bowling well. I bowled well at the WACA again in the final.

“As long as I keep contributing and doing my thing, that goes a long way to keeping my spot.”