Johnson had a modest Ashes series, claiming 15 wickets at 34.93, with his best haul 3-21 in the first innings of the dead rubber at the Oval.

He was also mocked by the crowd in the opening Test in Cardiff when he recorded the worst figures of his career in the first innings (0-111), but returned with venom in Australia's uprising at Lord's, with six wickets for the match.

While he became only the fifth Australian to notch 300 Test wickets, the scalps did not flow as they once did, and he also leaked runs at 3.73 runs per over – above his career average of 3.29 per over.

"I was definitely worn down but I think I can always manage physically, it's probably more mental," Johnson said on Wednesday of his Ashes struggles.

"I felt really drained at the end, probably even throughout the England tour. Constantly getting hammered by the crowds does take its toll, but also the long year that we had, with the World Cup – that was a huge build-up.

"To win that, then go to the IPL [Indian Premier League], well, I was pretty flat throughout that.

"Then I got to the West Indies and started to pick up a bit. The Ashes always takes it out of you  – it's such a huge occasion. It was definitely great to get back home."

It was during this rest period at home where the match-winning left-armer considered following the likes of Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin and Chris Rogers – three men had played so much with – into retirement.

Johnson broached the issue with his mentor, fast-bowling great Dennis Lillee, having not played in the post-Ashes one-day series.

"As for retirement, it has definitely crossed my mind," Johnson said.

"I definitely have questioned myself in the six weeks that I have been home but, like I said, I had that desire [return] when I saw, I guess the young guys [during the post Ashes one-day series] out there performing, it urged me and pushed me to want to get out there and play.

"Speaking to other people, speaking to Dennis, he seems to think I can go for a few more years."

Johnson, who still hopes to match Lillee's former Test record of 355 wickets, will turn 34 three days before the opening Test against New Zealand at the Gabba, an age when many a fast bowler has retired or is facing sporting mortality.

However, Glenn McGrath retired from Test cricket just shy of his 37th birthday, although he would be 37 through his farewell 2007 World Cup.

Lillee played the last of his 70 Tests aged 34, Brett Lee played the last of his 76 Tests at 32, while Craig McDermott, Australia's bowling coach, was gone from Test cricket shortly before his 31st birthday. What is in Johnson's favour are the tailored fitness and recovery sessions all players now have.

"I had that year out of the game really with my toe injury, I was a late starter to the game, so I think it's more mind than anything. My body is still holding up pretty well," he said.

"I had little niggles here and there and you are able to get through them. I am really looking forward to the summer, to get back on to nice fair wickets.

"I would love to get a few wickets and get that tally back up again."

Johnson said he would consult with coach Darren Lehmann and skipper Steve Smith about being used more in short bursts in what amounts to an enforcer-type role, a position former skipper Michael Clarke has said he is best suited to.

At times during the Ashes, his role had leaned into the stock-bowling territory.

"I think that works best. If I can bowl short spells and and can bowl that high 140s, mid 140kms, I think that's the plan we should go with," Johnson said.

"You can't always blast teams out but when that time is right, I am still definitely putting my hand up for that."