Settled Johnson sets sights on IPL

Mitchell Johnson's confidence in his place in Australia's national sides has led to him seeking a spot in the 2009 Indian Premier League auction. While some of the country's senior players are complaining about their workloads, Johnson will look to join most of his team-mates on the competition's roster, although the Australians will be able to appear only if their tour of Pakistan is cancelled.

A desire to secure his spot with the Test outfit stopped Johnson from taking part in the initial IPL intake, but he is now ready for more work. "Physically, he has become a lot stronger," Johnson's manager Sam Halvorsen said in the Age. "If they go to Pakistan they won't be playing anyway, but in the event that they don't ... it's an alternative he can handle."

Johnson switched to Perth from Queensland in the off-season to be with his girlfriend and is preparing for next week's first Test against South Africa in his new home town. "I don't know if you can call me a senior player but I feel a lot more comfortable and definitely know my role in the team," he told the paper. "When you start out you are still working on your role but now I feel I have figured that out and I feel a lot more positive with my bowling.

"I'm always backing myself now. I just go out and try to win for the team and do my best." After making his debut against Sri Lanka in November 2007, Johnson has taken 61 wickets in 15 Tests and won a Man-of-the-Match award for his 9 for 69 against New Zealand in Brisbane.