Johnson using lay-off to build mental and physical strength

Perth, Jan.12 (ANI): Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is using his lay-off after his toe surgery to rebuild his mental strength. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Johnson has scoffed at suggestions that his international career is over. Expressing some relief at being ruled out of national selection, Johnson told the Herald: "It was a bit of relief [to be ruled out]. There was a bit of talk of me being dropped anyway if I didn't have this injury. He added: "It's been a breath of fresh air not being involved in it ... there's only positives coming out of it at the moment for me. I'm going to be able to work on things that I couldn't do when I was in the team." "I know that it's going to be a hard task with the way things are - the young boys are doing very well - but I still think I've got enough to give [to warrant a place] in this Australian team," Johnson said. Johnson is not expected to heal fully for at least another three months. "Right now, I'm feeling the best I ever have mentally, having been able to get away from it all. It [public criticism] has obviously been a big part of the past 12 months. It's not an excuse if it affects your performances - it's all part of the game. But it can, it can happen to anyone," he added. Johnson said he does not want to "live on reputation" and was prepared for the likely slide in his Cricket Australia contract ranking - and commensurate drop in earnings - when the new contracts are allocated in the middle of the year. Johnson will nominate for next month's Indian Premier League Twenty20 auction in the hope playing in the tournament - fitness permitting - will increase the likelihood of a limited-overs recall between May and November, when Australia does not play any Tests but will feature in three limited-overs series. (ANI)