Playing against India a huge challenge: Johnson

CHANDIGARH: After a forgettable two-Test series against Pakistan in England last July where he picked just three wickets while conceding 217 runs, it looked as if the bowler with great strike power was losing rhythm. Mitchell Johnson, though, doesn't have time to dwell on the past and find out the reason for why things are the way they are.
The 28-year-old left-arm pacer from Queensland is fully aware of the responsibility of leading a relatively inexperienced Australian attack and is up for the huge challenge of taking on the number one Test team in its own backyard.
"It's not easy to bowl against India and that too when they are the number one side in the world. The wickets here are on the slower and flatter side which makes our job more difficult. Moreover, we need to acclimatize with the heat and humidity. But as a fast bowler, I love the challenge posed by these factors and have always enjoyed playing in India," said Johnson after heavy rains once again forced the Aussies to stay indoors on Tuesday.
Johnson is also looking forward to do justice to his leadership role in the Test series. "I am ready to assume the leadership role and guide the restless pack of youngsters who are very keen to learn. I have already spoken to our coaching staff about my role," said Johnson who was first spotted by Dennis Lillee as a 17-year-old.
If Ricky Ponting wants to set the record straight against India this time, Australia must extract the best out of Johnson who, along with Shane Watson and Nathan Hauritz, is the only bowler in the squad to have played Test in India.
However, Johnson knows that his job is far from easy. Bowling to the likes of Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag is a huge challenge. "The experience these players have will make our job all the more difficult. But we are also prepared to make it tough for them as well."
The Queenslander also expressed his concerns over the amount of cricket played now. "You have to have a balance. I am playing in all three formats and so have to pace myself against burnout and exhortation. It was a conscious effort to rest certain cricketers so that they come back fresh and ready. As a player, you have to know your limitations and draw a line," said Johnson, who is also an attacking batsman with a healthy Test average of 23.63.
When asked will he be able to fit into Glenn McGrath's big shoes, Johnson said modestly, "McGrath is perhaps the greatest bowler to have played for Australia. Filling his shoes is a Herculean task and I am not thinking on those lines."