Aussie paceman Mitchell Johnson has made a strong claim for a place in the XI for the first Test against India.

By Shreyas Sharma

The left-arm quickie was the brightest bowling star on the first two days of the tour game against Board President's XI in Hyderabad. Johnson took four for 75 while Australia's inexperienced spin attack lacked bite. Yuvraj Singh's team was eventually dismissed for 455, with Stuart Clark picking up three wickets and youngster Peter Siddle taking two.

On Indian wickets, Johnson is aware of the dos and don'ts. He said patience would be the key to a successful tour. The 26-year-old said last year's one-day tour of India had been "fantastic for him", and he was looking to build on those performances. Johnson added: "I learnt a lot how to bowl on slow wickets. It depends more on reverse swing here than pace."

Johnson had a tough time on Australia's last Test tour to the West Indies earlier this year, and is hoping to make amends this time around. He knows it won't be easy, saying: "It is a test for anyone to bowl to greats like Sachin Tendulkar. I shall just try and play to my abilities, though I know it won't be easy to get those guys out."

Johnson also believes that the tips the team has received from former India coach Greg Chappell will prove useful and have a positive outcome for the Aussies.

The Queenslander has been unlucky that despite being one of the top-rated Aussie pacemen in recent times, he has only played nine Tests, and all in the last 12 months. However, his position as the third seamer behind Brett Lee and Clark is virtually assured on the basis of form and experience. It is unlikely Ricky Ponting will risk virtual unknowns Doug Bollinger and Siddle first up in the Bangalore Test.

But Johnson, a firm believer in the theory that only performance can guarantee you a place in the Australian team, said: "With my past record, I am optimistic of my place in the side. I also did well with the bat last time, which is a plus point for me."

Way to go, Notch!