The series had been delayed owing to Hughes' death after being hit on the head by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield game two weeks ago.
"We've got to play the way that we've been playing and that's been aggressive. That's the way I've always played the game and I know how the boys will be, going out there and playing the best cricket they can. If that's bowling the short ball like we have been, then that's how we'll do it," said Johnson ahead of the first Test.
When asked pertinently, what his reaction would be if he hit a batsman on the head, Johnson replied, "I'm not sure. It might be a different reaction this time. I haven't hit anyone yet so I don't know how I'm going to feel."
Cricket Australia and South Australia Cricket Association have planned rich tributes to their late cricketer. Hughes has been declared as the 13th man for the Australian team with all the playing members wearing his cap number 408 on their Test jerseys in this first match of the series.
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It has been a stressful time for the Australian players to return to cricket. Their rehabilitation began on Friday with a team-building exercise and since then they have had training sessions leading to this first Test.
However, things will still be emotional tomorrow morning at the Adelaide Oval, Hughes' adopted home ground.
"It's going to be an emotional morning and probably looking at it from our first little part of the game, 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 and the vibe's good," said Johnson.