Australia's Mitchell Johnson confident ahead of Ashes
Tuesday 7 July 2015 09:35, UK
Australia paceman Mitchell Johnson has warned England he is in the form of his life just a day before the first Test of the Investec Ashes Series gets underway in Cardiff.
Johnson was the home team's star in the last Ashes series, taking 37 wickets as Australia thrashed the tourists 5-0 in 2013/14, with an incredible average of just 13, including three five-wicket hauls.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's very close now and the excitement definitely goes up another notch, we're all excited. It's been a big couple of days with Ryan Harris retiring, he's a good mate of mine and a fellow fast bowler.
"I think the ball will definitely swing around in these overcast conditions and, especially with the new ball, they generally swing more anyway.
"I think it's going to be a bit slow. It's an important first Test and this is where you need to start really well in the series. If you start well here, then it sets the tone for the rest of the series."
Johnson was not selected for the 2013 Ashes in England, suffering from indiscipline and form issues.
In his previous stint here, in 2009, he took 20 wickets at an average of 32, while also conceding runs at more than four runs per over.
However, he says his bowling action has never felt better ahead of the SWALEC Stadium's curtain-raiser.
He added: "I'm feeling really good, really confident. (I) feel I'm bowling the best that I can at the moment. I've been really happy at the way the ball has come out, nice swing, nice pace. It's always competitive in the nets. I enjoy that part of it but I want to get out there and play the real stuff."
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