Johnson leads Scorchers to Big Bash final

Johnson returned to domestic action for this edition of the Big Bash and he recorded his best figures (3-3) as he picked up three early Stars wickets at the WACA.

Only having to bowl four overs clearly works for Perth Scorchers' bowler Mitchell Johnson as he took three wickets and conceded just three runs from his spell, including a double-wicket maiden to kick things off.

An inspired spell of fast bowling from Mitchell Johnson set up a seven-wicket win for Perth Scorchers as it booked a fifth Big Bash League final at the expense of Melbourne Stars.

Johnson returned to domestic action for this edition of the Big Bash and he recorded his best figures (3-3) as he picked up three early Stars wickets at the WACA.

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The veteran was ably supported by the rest of the Scorchers bowlers as they limited the visiting team to 136-8; Seb Gotch the only thorn with a defiant 48.

It was never likely to be enough to stop the Scorchers securing home advantage for Saturday's final, with Shaun Marsh guiding Perth through with 19 balls to spare.

Marsh struck an unbeaten 56 off 44 deliveries to secure the win, ably assisted by former England international Ian Bell (26 not out) in the closing stages.

The Scorchers — which has been a dominant force in the Big Bash — will meet either Brisbane Heat or Sydney Sixers in the final as it looks to claim a third title. 

"BOWLING MITCH"

He was once the most feared bowler in world cricket and Johnson showed he still has the quality with a sensational opening spell for the Scorchers.

Only having to bowl four overs clearly works for the 35-year-old as he took three wickets and conceded just three runs from his spell, including a double-wicket maiden to kick things off.

His did not concede a run for his first 17 balls, but Marcus Stoinis denied him a third maiden with the first run off the Scorchers' talisman at the 18th attempt.

And Johnson's heir on the international scene — Mitchell Starc — was suitably impressed with the "old boy".

PIETERSEN FALTERS AT THE FURNACE

It has been another successful competition for Kevin Pietersen, who was the Stars' top scorer and finished with an average of 38.28 from his eight appearances.

However, Tuesday's outing ended with disappointment as he struggled to cope with the lack of speed in the WACA wicket.

After a number of miscued shots the former England international flipped a simple catch to Michael Klinger at mid-wicket, giving Johnson his third victim.

MARSH SIGNS OFF IN STYLE

After back-to-back half-centuries many will have been looking forward to seeing Marsh strut his stuff in the final, but he will not be present for the Scorchers.

Instead the all-rounder will be in New Zealand with Australia's one-day team as it prepares for a three-match series against the Black Caps.

He signed off in style, though, with a brisk innings that included eight boundaries, while Bell had the honour of hitting the winnings runs with a classy straight drive off Michael Beer.