AUSTRALIA's tour of India is a month away but paceman Mitchell Johnson has already taken the new ball - the SG ball.

Australian bowling coach Troy Cooley has already given Johnson and the other Australian fast bowlers the Indian SG balls which will be used in the two Test series.

Australia accept winning in India involves not so much a master plan as a series of small ones done well.

"Practising with the SG balls is the first step for us," Johnson said.

"The seams sit up a little bit more [than the Australian Kookaburra's] and are a bit narrower. The SG balls are also a lot harder.

"Obviously our wickets don't rough up the balls as much as their wickets do. In India the ball can reverse after 10 overs. It is always a challenge playing in those conditions. I always look forward to it no matter how hard it is."

"Working with Mickey is going to have a huge impact on me. I have spoken to him for a few weeks but he said he would do anything he could to help me get right for the Tests.

"He is a very positive man. I am looking forward to getting back and working with him. Having someone who has been with a national side ... I know the guys from the WA side have enjoyed him. He has challenged them .

"I am going to pick his brain and he is going to be open and honest. It is going to be a great learning experience for me. It will give me more options."

Johnson said he had not given up hope of opening the bowling in India but captain Ricky Ponting has indicated he may be used as first change.