Australian spearhead Mitchell Johnson hasn't forgotten English taunts

Mitchell Johnson: An object of ridicule no more

Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson is already looking forward to next year’s Ashes series, beyond the upcoming Test series against Pakistan and India. The left armer has unfinished business with the Barmy Army who had given him a hard time during his disastrous Ashes tour in England in 2009, where he was carted for 200 runs in an innings.

He recovered from that onslaught and muted his critics in last year’s Ashes series in Australia, but the memories of the time in England have not been forgotten. He enjoyed encounters with the traveling Barmy Army with a handlebar moustache and a huge tally of wickets.

In an interview with News Ltd, Johnson said: "It's something that I will look back at throughout the rest of my career, because it's made me who I am today.

"It's made me the player that I am today, made me the person I am. As hard as it was at the time, I've learned a hell of a lot from it. It's got me into a position where I have that belief and confidence in myself now. I know why things are working.

"It's always something that'll be there but it's in the back of the mind."

All fun and games?

Legendary pace bowler Dennis Lillee was the man who cleared Johnson’s mind and helped him become the world-beater he is today.

"That little bit of banter that happens with the Barmy Army, that's all in good fun," the 65-year-old said.

"They appreciate good cricket and they try and take you off your game. Something that I learned when I was copping it from them was how to deal with that stuff. I've been through it, experienced it and I know what to expect now."

The Australian great will no more be there to mentor the 32-year-old on the next tour as he quit as the Cricket Australia coaching consultant earlier this year due to a wage dispute.

Lillee’s influence on Johnson

Speaking on Lillee leaving the Australian setup, Johnson said: "I've spoken to him briefly, but at the moment when everything's in order I'm pretty happy. He sort of joked about it, (saying) 'you're now your own master, you don't need me', but I was like, 'no, that's ridiculous, you'll always be there' and I'll always need him at certain times.

"It's just good to be able to ring up and have a chat, it doesn't have to necessarily be about cricket. He's always been a big supporter and always will be, and he's always going to be there.”

Australia tour United Arab Emirates next month to take on Pakistan in a two-Test series, a one-off T20 international and a one-day series.