Mitchell Johnson Vows No Bouncer Let-up Despite Phillip Hughes Tragedy
Australia have signalled no let-up in their aggressive approach during the first Test starting Tuesday, which has them challenging for the top of the Test rankings under coach Darren Lehmann.
Fearsome Australia strike bowler Mitchell Johnson said Monday he will have no reservations about bowling short-pitched balls at India's batsmen despite the Phillip Hughes tragedy. (Australia ready to inflict pain on India: Shane Watson)
 Australia have signalled no let-up in their aggressive approach during the first Test starting Tuesday, which has them challenging for the top of the Test rankings under coach Darren Lehmann. (India need tough minds in Australia: Geoff Lawson)
Bowling bouncers has become a sensitive issue following the death of team-mate Hughes, after he was fatally struck in the head by a short-pitched delivery in a domestic game late last month. (Shikhar Dhawan ready for Mitchell Johnson challenge)
Asked if he would shy away from bowling bouncers in the first Test, Johnson told reporters: "We've got to play the way that we've been playing and that's been aggressive. (Pujara keen to learn from failures, ready for Australia)
"That's the way I've always played the game and if that's bowling the short ball like we have been, then that's how we'll do it. We'll assess the conditions obviously, but we're not going to change a thing." (Australia to wear No. 408 as tribute to Phillip Hughes)
The cricket world was plunged into mourning over the Hughes tragedy, forcing a re-scheduling of the four-match series against India with the first Test switched from Brisbane to Adelaide. (Virat Kohli's ruthlessness impressive: VVS Laxman)
Johnson's mindset has been a hot topic in the lead-up, with the left-arm speedster critical to the team with 68 wickets in the last two years. (Not the summer to involve in sledging: Allan Border)
The current international cricketer of the year decimated England with 37 wickets in Australia's 5-0 series whitewash at home last season and stands as the biggest threat to India's batsmen. (Late Phillip Hughes named '13th man' for India Test)
Along with fellow fast bowlers Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle, he has been largely responsible for Australia's recent success.
"I've been bowling very aggressive for the last 18 months and I'm not going to change that," Johnson said, adding that he was uncertain how he would feel if one of his short-pitched deliveries hit an Indian batsmen in the head.
"I'm not sure. It might be different (reaction) this time," he said. "I haven't hit anyone yet so I don't know how I'm going to feel."
Johnson said he was tentative on returning to training following Hughes' funeral last week.
"Everyone is different and for me for my first session it was a case of just getting back into it," he said.
"I didn't bowl a bouncer until late in the first session, the more I've bowled the better I've felt.
"It's going to be an emotional morning and for me going out there and bowling the first spell might be the most difficult. Then we might just get into the game a bit more but I think mentally, we've had a few training sessions, the vibe's good."
The Australian players will wear Hughes' Test cap number 408 on their playing shirts for the match, and black armbands in his honour.
Prior to the start, both teams will stand before a large 408 painted on the Adelaide Oval's playing surface as they observe a video tribute, narrated by former Australia Test captain and prominent commentator Richie Benaud.
Following this, the team and spectators will be asked to stand for 63 seconds of applause in recognition of Hughes's unbeaten final score.