They lost to India in the semifinal in the inaugural edition of the tournament and were second best to England in the final in 2010. For a team which has a lot of its players playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), it's a real surprise.
India won the 2007 tournament under MS Dhoni, followed by Pakistan (2009), England (2010), West Indies (2012) and Sri Lanka (2014). Mitchell Johnson, who has been part of two World Cup-winning sides in 2007 & 2015, feels it's a shame that the Kangaroos have never won the biennial T20 championship.
"I would say that it's been hard luck for Australia for not winning it. The team has played well throughout the tournaments over the years and it's a shame that we haven't been able to translate our form into success. The IPL is a really exciting competition to be a part of and it will definitely allow the boys that are playing in it to enhance their T20 skills," Johnson told TOI in an email interview.
Australia were going through a rough patch until India's tour Down Under with questions over Michael Clarke's captaincy and the make-up of the team. But all speculations were put to rest with their fifth World Cup triumph.
"It's an amazing feeling to lift the cup for the second time. It is natural for teams to go through a transition at some stage and it is always exciting," stressed the left-arm pacer. After the ODI retirement of Michael Clarke, there were suggestions that Johnson too may quit the 50-over format to prolong his Test career. The West Australian though has no such plans.
"It's always frustrating when you get injured. I've had a few setbacks during my career but it is important to prepare well and keep a positive mindset. At the moment I am in good shape and I am bowling well so I don't need to do that," he said.
Johnson, who picked 17 wickets in his debut season with Kings XI Punjab last year, reckons that the Mohali outfit has the necessary firepower to clinch their maiden IPL crown. Kings XI ended runners-up last year falling at the final hurdle to Kolkata Knight Riders.
"Last year we had a great season and we are looking forward to taking the next step this year and winning the title. For me too it was a good season and hopefully I can continue to perform well.The team is in good form. We have great variety in our bowling attack and a very strong batting lineup with the likes of Glenn (Maxwell), (David) Miller, George (Bailey) and (Virender) Sehwag."
Kings XI head coach Sanjay Bangar too came in for special praise from Johnson. He even hinted that the former India opener might be the right man to coach MS Dhoni & Co following his efforts as assistant coach in Australia and England.
"Sanjay is a great coach and mentor and the players can learn a lot from his experience. The In dian team has a lot to take from him and it was reflected in their performance throughout the World Cup," said the pace ace, who has 283 Test & 239 ODI wickets to his credit.
The mercurial bowler was not shy of having a word or two with the Indian players during the series Down Under and he is known to not take a backward step in a sledge fest.
But will he sledge compatriots like Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper David Warner and Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Watson when they face off? Pat came the reply: "There is always a bit of banter during state games in Australia.It's all part of good, clean, competitive cricket. The boys can expect a bit of sledging, but it's all in good taste."
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