Pharrell Williams's 'Happy' is Johnson's secret to success

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has revealed that he has a song in his head when he takes the ball in his hand to torment helpless batsman, and that song is Happy by Pharrell Williams.

In the December issue of Men's Health magazine, Johnson revealed in an interview that when he is out in the middle now, he just has the song playing in his head.

He claims in that way his mind doesn't fill with thoughts.

He says that he learned the trick from Glenn McGrath, adding that if one has got a song in his head, there's no room for bad thoughts, News.com.au reported.

The song Happy, Johnson says, reminds him of his daughter.

The unusual song choice is part of a unique mental approach, which Johnson credits for his wild success in recent years.

The fast bowler was almost lost to international cricket earlier this decade because of inconsistent performances. He admits he was actually hoping to get injured to avoid the pressure of performing at the highest level and considered quitting all together.

Johnson said that is something he doesn't like to admit, but it's true.

The pacer says that his wife, Jess, talked him out of it, and reasoned with him that he doesn't like to give up.

Image: Mitchell Johnson of Australia poses with wife Jessica Bratich-Johnson and daughter Rubika

Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images