Big Bash clubs eye retired Johnson

Mitchell Johnson has called stumps on his time in international cricket, but his services are expected to be highly sought-after should the fast bowler opt to continue his career in the KFC Big Bash League.

Johnson, who retired at the end of the second Test at the WACA Ground, was contracted to the Brisbane Heat for three Big Bash seasons but is not yet connected with a club for BBL|05.

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However the 34-year-old is contracted to Indian Premier League franchise Kings XI Punjab for the 2016 season, while wife Jessica confirmed "he might play some T20" following his retirement announcement on Tuesday – meaning the quick is looming as a late inclusion for the BBL, which kicks off on December 17.

Image Id: ~/media/AFE7408A89F744B38BE388C7A3D6B16B

Johnson was on the Heat's list for three seasons // Getty Images

"We’d love to see him involved,” Big Bash League chief Anthony Everard told News Corp.

"We have a really strong line up already but he would add another dimension.

"It’s really simple from where we sit. We’d love to see him involved.

"There’s a couple of clubs that still have spots to fill."

While the speedster would be a huge inclusion for any of the eight BBL clubs, full rosters and salary cap pressure will rule most franchises out of the race for Australia’s fourth-highest Test wicket-taker.

Watch: Johnson's 37 Ashes wickets in 2013-14

The Hobart Hurricanes and Adelaide Strikers are understood to be the only teams to have space left in their squads.

Reigning champions Perth Scorchers, Johnson’s local club, and the Brisbane Heat, who had the quick on their books in BBL|02, BBL|03 and BBL|04, have already filled their 18-player rosters, meaning only an injury to an existing player could open a place for the star.

Despite this, Scorchers chief executive Christina Matthews said her franchise would be keen to get Johnson on board if the opportunity arose.

"There’s no doubt (coach) Justin Langer would welcome a player of Mitchell’s capabilities,” Matthews told News Corp.

"He’s been an important part of our leadership group at the (Western Australia) Warriors over the past few years."

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Should Johnson find a home in the BBL this summer, he would join a host of recently retired Australian Test players in the competition.

Brad Haddin will line up for the Sydney Sixers in BBL|05, while Shane Watson has signed with the Sydney Thunder.

Ryan Harris has also signed with a BBL franchise – albeit in a non-playing capacity – joining the Heat as an assistant coach.

Former Test skipper Michael Clarke had signed with the Melbourne Stars, but pulled out of the deal after his retirement in order to spend time away from the game. 

Watson will make his return from a calf injury in Sydney grade cricket this weekend as he warms up for BBL|05, while Haddin impressed in a guest appearance for the Sydney Sixers Academy side on Tuesday.

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The veteran opening the batting in style for the Sixers, despatching the first ball he faced over the ropes before finishing on 42, with four fours and two sixes.

"It was good to spend some time in the middle," Haddin told sydneysixers.com.au.

"I had a hit down in Canberra last week and got a little bit of rhythm back in my game. It was good to play some T20 cricket, and I think we've got a month now until the first time. It's all about making sure I peak at the right time."

Last week, the former Test wicketkeeper scored a century for the ACT Comets in a Toyota Futures League match against South Australia.