Mitchell Johnson likely to skip IPL again

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is likely to skip the IPL for the third consecutive year for the sake of preserving himself for Australia, says his manager Sam Halvorsen. Johnson skipped the first two editions of the cash-rich Twenty20 tournament for the same reason.

"We want to protect him from the wear and tear," Halvorsen told the Daily Telegraph. "The decision was made easier because of our concern over the auction process. He might have been able to play half the tournament but at this stage we feel the break will be better for him."

If Johnson had put his hand up for the IPL, he would have had to miss the first half of the tournament, which clashes with Australia's tour of New Zealand, which ends on March 31. The IPL runs between March 12 and April 25.

Before the 2008 auctions, Johnson backed out because he wanted to focus on establishing himself in the Australian Test side. He later expressed interest in participating in the 2009 edition in South Africa but instead opted for rest, keeping in mind Australia's hectic schedule. The decision helped establish himself as Australia's strike bowler and his wicket tally of 57 wickets in 12 Tests is the most by any bowler in 2009.