Out-of-sync Johnson was axed from the second Test side against the wishes of skipper Ricky Ponting. But the left-armer remained with Australia's squad to work with bowling mentor Troy Cooley instead of finding form with Sheffield Shield side Western Australia.
Johnson yesterday returned to the nets in a 45-minute session complete with ball-by-ball video camera analysis under the eye of Cooley, batting coach Justin Langer, strength and conditioning guru Stuart Karppinen and fellow discard Ben Hilfenhaus.
Every step of enigmatic Johnson's sling action was broken down to isolate the glitches that have scrambled his radar and restricted the one-time truck driver to 11 wickets in five Tests.
"It is a tough one, management probably knows better in this case.
"Yes, on one side of the coin you do need to do some remedial work, while match practice is an important element. I don't have a problem with him remaining with the side."
The pressure is increasing on Australia's coaching staff to fix Johnson - and quickly.
Crucially, Johnson appeared to be getting his arm action high again following a long talk with swing man Hilfenhaus - knowing that is the gateway to regaining the inswinger that is vital to his bowling arsenal.
Fallen spearhead Mitchell Johnson has started his quest for Ashes redemption and a third-Test recall in Perth by refitting his blown-out action in Adelaide's practice nets.
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