It is tough to figure out whether Mitchell Johnson got a welcome or a farewell party after Australia’s game against India yesterday. When one is busy availing the return tickets to head home while the team is raising a toast for your first big impact on international scene, such a dilemma about the party theme is sure to crop up.

But for Mitchell, the high of being one among the Men in Yellow was too great. He didn’t have time for such travesties. He was busy soaking in the last few hours with the famous men around him, rather than worry about going to Queensland where he once worked as a delivery man for a plumbing company.

Like his previous job, he drove into soaking and dripping conditions to deliver for his captain. After his match-turning 4/11, captain Ricky Ponting had called him a real exciting prospect last night and today morning every word from his pierced tongue was being lapped up by a strong international media. While answering to the media, Mitchell acknowledged the knowing glances of Matthew Hayden and Damien Martyn, who headed towards the Twin Towers.

Still not sure if he looked the part, the young left-arm pacer checked up with the media manager after the briefing. “Was I Ok?’’ was the modest question as Phillip Pope gave a rigorous shake of the head.

In a team with personalities with intimidating aura the 24-year-old wasn’t sure about the do’s and don’ts yet.

But yesterday on the field he looked very much the part, knew the do’s and don’ts and had an intimidating aura around him too.

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