Johnson in line for increased batting duties

Mitchell Johnson's rapid batting development could lead to him being used in a floating role by Australia in the two Twenty20 matches against South Africa from Friday. Johnson starred with bat and ball during the Test series, taking 16 wickets and scoring 255 runs at 85.00, and Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke are keen to employ his new talents.

Ponting has joked about using Johnson as an opener, but is considering him for some middle-order duties. "We've known for a long time Mitch is more than capable of taking any bowler down at any time," Ponting told AAP. "He's someone who could definitely float up and down the order for us."

Ponting said having left- and right-handed combinations was important in Twenty20 games. "It just gives the bowlers no opportunity to settle in and puts extra pressure on their variations and things," he said. "That's where [Johnson] going up and down the order could probably work most effectively."

Johnson scored 96 in the opening Test of Australia's 2-1 series win and finished the campaign with 123 not out. "I'm pretty sure he won't be opening the batting on Friday night," Clarke, the vice-captain, said. "If he is it means I mightn't have a spot."