Mitchell Johnson is savouring the prospect of cementing his position in Australia's Test attack by tormenting the West Indies' bevy of left-handers.
Johnson enjoyed a solid Test introduction last season, taking 24 wickets at 32, but knows he still has more to do to nail down his place alongside Brett Lee and Stuart Clark.
Only injury will prevent the 26-year-old left-armer starting the three-match series against the Windies but his first overseas Test tour will provide a key indicator of his future.
"It was a big summer, my first real big summer - playing Tests, and one-dayers and Twenty20, I wouldn't say I feel like I nailed a spot there, but it's given me a bit more confidence playing out the summer," he said today.
Although he regularly bowled long spells for skipper Ricky Ponting without flinching and chipped in with key wickets, Johnson's lack of inswing to right-handers was a concern in his first six Tests.
At his pace of mid-140kph, swing is a key tool for the Queenslander and he was far more dangerous getting the ball to move away from India and Sri Lanka's left-handers.
The West Indies line-up is packed full of left-handers, led by batting kingpins Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, on top of Sewnarine Chattergoon, Ryan Hinds and Devon Smith.
"I like bowling to left-handers. That will help my swing a little bit, the more left-handers the better," Johnson said.
"It's just a more natural line."
Johnson admitted he found it harder to bring the ball back from a tougher angle to the right-handers but wasn't losing any sleep about finding a remedy.
"I have been working on it, but I'm not going to go out in games and be too worried about it. If it's swinging, it's swinging," he said.
"The new ball will only will swing for a certain amount of overs anyway.
"I'm not going to focus too much on it. I just want to go out there and be consistent."
Johnson had no regrets about turning up the chance to cash in on the riches on offer in the Indian Premier League.
Like new wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and vice-captain Michael Clarke, he preferred to focus on the upcoming tour, which starts with a three-day match against a Jamaican XI next Friday.
"For me, I think I needed a break and I want to try and give myself the opportunity to play for Australia so that was the best thing for me," Johnson said.
The Australians fly out tomorrow for the Caribbean without Clarke, who has been granted compassionate leave due to family reasons."
