Johnson changes mind, joins Scorchers

Mitchell Johnson has reversed his earlier decision to stay away from this summer's Twenty20 Big Bash League, signing on with the Perth Scorchers.

Having said in July that he would not take part in the BBL in order to keep himself fresh as possible for the international summer, Johnson appears to have changed his mind after being dropped from the Australia T20 team following indifferent displays in that format in Sri Lanka.

"I am delighted to be part of the Scorchers' inaugural season and will be aiming to help them win the Big Bash League and qualify for the Champions League T20 competition," Johnson said.

"I still want to be part of the Australian T20 side and hope some strong personal performances will result in selection for next year's World Cup in Sri Lanka."

Following his omission from the T20 squad for South Africa, Johnson entered into talks with the Scorchers, and will now take part in at least their opening match, with other appearances to depend on his place in the national team.

"It is no secret that Mitchell Johnson is one of the world's leading pacemen. His impact as a strike bowler is outstanding and I am thrilled to have him on board with the Perth Scorchers," Mickey Arthur, the Scorchers coach, said.

"In all likelihood we will see very little of Mitchell due to international commitments and I really hope that is the case, but while he is around the Scorchers he will be a brilliant acquisition both on and off the field."

Other BBL sides have been filling the final spots in their 18-man squads also. The West Indian allrounder Dwayne Bravo has signed on with the Sydney Sixers, chasing the sort of atmosphere he enjoyed when representing Victoria in T20 matches at the MCG.

"To say I am excited to join in the fun with the Sydney Sixers this summer is an understatement," Bravo said. "What could be better than playing cricket under lights with a party atmosphere at the SCG. It's going to be a blast!"

The Melbourne Renegades, meanwhile, have picked up the teenager Meyrick Buchanan, a talented young sportsman also considered a strong Australian Rules football prospect.