Jessica Bratich promises not to miss any of husband Mitchell Johnson’s bowling in BBL final

Jessica Bratich won’t be late for the Big Bash League grand final on Saturday.

Mitchell Johnson’s wife was just making her way into the WACA Ground on Tuesday afternoon when she heard the crowd roar.

Three balls later the crowd erupted again as Johnson struck for the second time in the first over of the BBL semifinal.

“She was on her way in and said she heard the roar from across the road,” Johnson revealed. “I don’t want to rub it in but she was at the gate when one of the guys said ‘Mitch has taken two wickets’. She saw the replays.”

Johnson started the match with a double wicket maiden to ignite the demolition job on the lustrous Melbourne Stars and finished it with a record 3-3 from his four-over spell.

Although not rating it alongside several of his most brutal Test spells, which included returns of 8-61 and 6-38 at the WACA Ground, Johnson said it had vindicated his decision to play for the Scorchers.

He is now eager to play next season, with the prospect of appearing at the new Perth Stadium providing motivation.

Johnson has relished his success this summer after being in two minds about returning to domestic action, but said he had answered any lingering questions he had about a potential international comeback.

“I have moments where I get really excited but I don’t think it will ever be the same as what it was a few years ago,” he said.

“I said that at the start of the tournament — I won’t be the same Mitchell Johnson that I was three years ago or 10 years ago. It’s today and this is how I am. It would be nice (to play for Australia) but I don’t think I want to. I don’t think it would be as enjoyable for me. I had my moment in the sun but that is done and dusted.

“These young guys are playing better cricket than I am. I just don’t think it would work. There’s too much stress.”

Johnson claimed danger men Bob Quiney and Luke Wright for ducks in the opening over but the prize scalp was marquee batsman Kevin Pietersen.

Johnson said he was happy to take on his Ashes rival again and would not rule out playing with him in England this year.

“I don’t hold any grudges and this tournament has been good because I have come up against a few guys I have had run-ins with,” he said. “He was definitely one of them. If I do go over there may be an opportunity to play in his team.”