The Australian media has branded the team's pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson as their own 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', adding that this specific character quirk could well determine the outcome of the first Test, and the Ashes series.
According to News.com.au, seen as the torch-bearer of the post-McGrath fast bowling generation, on his day Johnson could be a world-beater with his raw pace, intimidating bounce and ability to swing the ball back into right-handed batsmen, although on his bad day, he simply fails to live up to Test standards.
The left-armer was struck by various afflictions like lacking accuracy, pace, aggression, and a proper run-up on various occasions, which, along with a toe injury, almost ended his Test career, although Johnson was back barely a year later and seems to have improved slightly after turning in eye-catching performances in both England and India
However, the report said that it is yet to be seen whether Johnson can have complete control of world-class batsmen such as Jonathan Trott in the Ashes or turn into the 'rabbit in the headlights' that was tormented by the Barmy Army in England and Australia several years ago.
