Johnson promises to bounce out India

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has said he will pepper the Indian batsmen with short deliveries when the teams meet in Centurion today for a crucial ICC Champions Trophy match which will decide their semi-final prospects.

The Indian top order was caught short by short-pitched deliveries during their failed campaign in the World Twenty20 in England this June. That led to an unexpected recall to the ODI squad for Rahul Dravid, one of the most technically adept batsmen in the country against hostile bowling attacks.

''The Indians are used to playing on wickets that don't really bounce above knee height, so to get a few short ones up there hopefully unsettles them,'' Johnson told the Sydney Morning Herald. ''Pretty much early on in someone's innings, or if you find someone who really can't play the short ball, you've probably got to bowl a few more at them.''

Australia already have one foot in the top four while India, following their defeat against Pakistan, need to win tonight to stay in contention. Allrounder James Hopes said the fact that India are under greater pressure should give his team enough incentive to knock them off their perch.

"They are one of the favourites to win the tournament I would assume, so we have been given the chance to put them out and we are looking forward to hopefully doing that," Hopes said. "Now it comes down to one game to see whether we have to win on Wednesday (against Pakistan) to get into the semi-finals, or whether we can go straight through and put India out. It's going to be a high-pressure game, it's going to be good to play in."

Both teams entered the tournament on the back of series wins. Australia lashed England 6-1 after conceding the Ashes, while India warmed-up with a win in the Compaq Cup tri-series in Sri Lanka.