Watson put my head in a toilet: Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson wrote his name into the cricketing folklore with his performances during the Ashes of 2013. The Queensland pacer, who is well known for his sensational bowling, trademark moustache, and a stare that could send chills down batsman's spine, has opened up about his funny side in his autobiography “Resilient”, which was released on Monday. Recalling his days from the Academy back in 2000, Johnson revealed an incident which led to him and Shane Watson going for each other's throats.

"Every night we'd pile into the common room and watch Neighbours before dinner. I was always a bit willing as every time there was an ad break there would be an all-in wrestle on the floor until the show started again,” Johnson wrote.

"In one wrestle I was dragged through the door and into the bathroom by a heap of guys and somebody pushed my head into the toilet. I wasn't impressed and the red mist descended. Somehow I managed to break free and I grabbed whoever it was by the front of the shirt as I got up and someone grabbed mine.

"I raised my right fist and he did the same. Then we looked at each other. It was Watto(Shane Watson). I think we both looked at each other and thought: nah, I'm not going to hit him, he's my mate, and put our fists down at the same time. I can't say I wasn't angry. It took me a few days to get over it," he wrote in his autobiography.

Ironically, the duo went on to become close friends during their days with the Australian cricket team, also winning two World Cups in the process. But, the others in dressing room did not seem to understand their camaraderie, which eventually led to them both being kicked out of the Kangaroos' squad during the series against India in 2013.

"Mickey told me I spent too much time with Watto and that was the real issue here. I was told we were too close, like we were a faction or something. I am sorry but you can't help but be close to a bloke you have been playing cricket with since you were 19," Johnson revealed about the incident.

Mitchell Johnson announced his retirement late in 2015, while his friend Shane Watson also called it a day in March 2016.