Despite retiring from international cricket, Mitchell Johnson has decided not to play in the upcoming Big Bash League.

The Australian bowler’s retirement had raised hopes that he would play BBL cricket for home club Perth Scorchers.

Now though Johnson has decided to rest his body and spend time with his family and away from the cricket field.

Scorchers coach Justin Langer said: “It is a real shame because I think everyone in Australia was hoping he’d play. And I really respect where he’s at. He retired for a reason and he won’t be playing.”

The BBL runs parallel to the Australian international home schedule and the Scorchers were hoping to get Johnson on board in the absence of Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh and Shaun Marsh and Nathan Coulter-Nile who are part of the Baggy Greens Test squad to play West Indies.

Johnson’s management, however, said he would explore the option of playing the BBL next summer having been part of Brisbane Heat’s squad for three seasons previously.