The cricket hero’s proposal to Jessica Bratich didn’t quite go to plan. The couple tell Lucie Morris how her family, his nerves and their young puppy turned it into an affair to remember.
With the hopes of a nation resting on his broad shoulders, Mitchell Johnson could be excused for feeling the pressure. But, after leading Australia to a remarkable comeback in the fourth Test of the Ashes, the fast bowler isn’t showing any signs of nervousness.
“It’s so exciting to see him do so well,” smiles fiancée Jessica Bratich, who has been back in Australia recuperating after a hip operation. “I’m really happy for him. I think he’s just got his head together. He’s had some quite harsh comments [about his previous play] but you can’t be perfect all the time. He’s adjusted and getting back into his game.”
Now recovering from her operation, Jessica will soon be back in the UK for the fifth Test. Then, the karate champion says, she can’t wait to get back to training.
“My goal is to compete in the World Championships in 2010,” she says. “I can walk fine now, and there’s not too much pain. I feel like I can move forward.”
Things are certainly on the up for the couple of three years, who got engaged at the end of May. Three weeks ago they spoke to Woman’s Day at the Aussie team base in Kensington, London. “I just love her passion, her drive and her strength —and, of course, her looks,” Mitchell said, stroking Jessica’s hand adorned with a 1.5 carat princess-cut diamond engagement ring. “As soon as we started dating it just felt so right. Everything seemed to fall into place very naturally.
While some sports commentators blamed the controversy over Mitchell’s mum’s fight with Jessica for his form slump in the third Test, the hunky bowler insists it is Jessica who has helped bring out the best in him.
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