Johnson ready to take on Smith

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Durban (South Africa), Apr.2 (ANI): Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson has said that he is ready to take on South African skipper Graeme Smith in Friday's opening one-day international to be played here.

Johnson was the player of the series in Australia's 2-1 triumph in last month's Test matches in South Africa and returned refreshed to training on Wednesday after being rested from last Sunday's second Twenty20 international against the Proteas at Centurion.

Smith, who has recovered from a fractured right little finger suffered in last month's second Test in Durban while batting against Johnson, is also expected to be declared fit to play on Friday.

"On recent form, I'm feeling pretty confident,'' Fox Sports quoted left-arm quick Johnson as saying after a net session at the Kingsmead ground.

"We learn to adapt pretty quickly to it (one-dayers). I felt really good at training today. I feel quite fresh and I've pulled up really good. It's always good to get the opportunity to bowl with the new ball to an opening batsman such as Graeme Smith who is such a great player,'' he added.

South Africa hold the top ranking in ODI cricket after beating Ricky Ponting's side 4-1 in Australia in January. (ANI)