Johnson opts out of IPL's season two

Mitchell Johnson has decided not to participate in the 2009 edition of the Indian Premier League.

The left-arm fast bowler from Australia had decided to stay away even in the inaugural season, as he wanted to focus more on retaining his place in the national side.

The 27-year-old had expressed interest in taking part in the competition this year, but has decided against it in order to prolong his career.

"We decided not to go last year because he wanted to get fit and build his strength and consolidate his place in the Australian team," Johnson's manager Sam Halvorsen told the Australian.

"You would have to say, looking back now, it worked effectively. With that same thing in mind we want to protect his long-term interests and I don't see that will be served by playing the IPL and he agrees."

Johnson has been in top form in recent times and was also the strike bowler in the final Test against South Africa at Sydney, which the team home team in the dying moments on the final day. He produced a terrific spell in of 8-61 in the Perth Test too, but Australia failed to win.

Physically when you are playing as much cricket as they are you have to take a rest," Halvorsen said. "Mitchell was bowling 50 overs a Test match and it was fast bowling. He's also been scoring runs.

"If you don't take a rest you are going to ruin yourself. We see Mitchell playing for eight to 10 years and his interests won't be served by playing IPL this season."

The Australian summer ends with a match on February 15. The squad then travels to South Africa for three Tests and five one-day matches from February 16 to April 18, while the IPL runs from April 10 to May 24.