Cricket: Rested Johnson returns for final

Mitchell Johnson bowled the most of any fast bowlers last year. Photo / Getty Images

With the soreness gone, a refreshed Mitchell Johnson says he's ready to spearhead Australia's pace attack in today's tri-series final and the World Cup.

Johnson hasn't played since succumbing to hamstring soreness following the Boxing Day test against India. He missed the final test of the Border-Gavaskar series and then four one-dayers.

From the start of the 2013-14 Ashes until the end of 2014, Johnson sent down 602 overs in international cricket, the most of any fast bowlers during that period and fewer only than spinners Rangana Herath and Nathan Lyon.

In November, he was named ICC Cricketer of the Year for a second time but it came at a cost as his body told him to slow down and he was given a month-long break by the Australian selectors.

The 33-year-old will return for today's tri-series decider against England in Perth and Johnson believes his recent break from cricket will prove the perfect tonic ahead of the World Cup.

"I needed a fair bit of a rest," Johnson said. "It'd been a big 12 months personally, but for all the bowlers as well.

"The UAE was quite tough. We bowled a lot of overs there and then, coming into Australia, the wickets were a little bit flatter than we expected. There were a lot of runs scored through the test series.

"The body now is fully recovered and ready to go. I'm feeling rested. I don't have any soreness there any more, so I'm feeling pretty good.

"It's a big match to come into, but I'm as prepared as I can be. I've played a fair bit of one-day cricket now and I know what to expect. I'm looking forward to getting out there."

He regularly topped 150km/h against England in the home Ashes series but struggled with his pace against India.

England will be well aware of what he is capable of today, given the fact Johnson took 37 wickets at 13.97 during the 2013-14 Ashes series. The two sides also meet in their World Cup openers in Melbourne on February 14.

Mitchell Starc has starred in Johnson's absence, with the 25-year-old snaring 12 wickets at an average of 13 in four matches to lead Australia to the tri-series final. Together with all-rounder James Faulkner, Australia could play three left-armers at the World Cup.

"I've been really impressed with him," Johnson said of Starc.

"Earlier in the IPL, he was doing it there and he's just continued his form. He's really comfortable with his bowling in one-day cricket. He swings the ball and bowls fast.

"It's nice to be able to work with him. He's young, he's aggressive and he loves bowling. I think we bowl well together in the short form."

All-rounder Shane Watson (hamstring) is also a chance to return for today's final and, in another encouraging sign for Australia, Michael Clarke made 51 playing for Wests in Sydney club cricket.

- AAP