MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Australia test great Shane Warne has backed Mitchell Johnson to perform in the Ashes cricket series against England, saying maturity has helped the fast bowler overcome his erratic past.
Johnson regularly bowled at more than 150 kph (93 mph) during Australia's recent one-day series against India and Warne told reporters Thursday the 32-year-old is ready to deliver on his pre-Ashes promise.
The left-armer has threatened to test England's batsmen with fast, short-pitched bowling and Warne said he now has the control to deliver.
Warne said Johnson would "shake the English side up."
He said Johnson is "a bit older, a bit more mature and knows his role a bit better, knows his body better, knows how he bowls."