Responsible Johnson looks to step up

Mitchell Johnson, the Australia fast bowler, is keen to put behind him the hugely unsuccessful tour of England and do justice to his leadership role in the two-Test series against India. In the two Tests against Pakistan in England in July, Johnson returned series figures of 3 for 217, and seemed to have lost both his accuracy and swing.

"I had taken the responsibility [of leading the Australia pace attack] a few tours ago," Johnson said. "I probably didn't handle it so well in England, but since then I have improved.

"Another area where I want to improve on this trip is the leadership role - try and show the younger guys, whether it is in a training session or in the middle, the way Australian cricket is played. That is something I am going to enjoy. That is something about which I have spoken to our coaching staff before the trip. The young guys we have got are very good listeners. They are very keen to learn from the leaders of the group."

Australia will need the best of Johnson because none of the other specialist fast men has played a Test in India. Shane Watson and Nathan Hauritz are the only ones to have bowled in Tests in India.

Even Johnson didn't have a great trip last time, in 2007-08, when he averaged 40.07 for his 13 wickets. Australia begin the series at a venue where they were comprehensively outbowled then. In Mohali on the last tour, Australia conceded 469 and 314 for 3 while India bowled them out for 268 and 195.

Johnson said it wouldn't be easy, but they were going to enjoy the challenge. "Coming over here is a huge challenge," he said. "Against India as the No. 1 side, and the calibre of players they have got. Tendulkar, Dravid, Sehwag. They have got a great bowling attack as well. There is Harbhajan.

"It is a huge challenge coming up against India, no matter what ranking they are. It doesn't matter what ranking we are as well. I just know it is going to be a tough tour for us. We are looking to make it tough for them as well."

Australia are not having the greatest time in terms of preparation as persistent unseasonal rain in Chandigarh allowed them no training time on Wednesday. They start their three-day tour game in Chandigarh on Saturday.