Sydney, Oct 6 (IANS): Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson says his lacklustre performance in Sri Lanka was more a case of bad luck and that he is in form to take wickets during the forthcoming South Africa tour.

Johnson took just six wickets at 52.17 over three Tests in Australia's 1-0 series win against Sri Lanka last month.

The left-armer, however, feels he is in good rhythm and is raring to exploit the conditions at South Africa. History also favours Johnson who was lethal in the tourists' unexpected 2-1 victory in early 2009.

"There's always been pressure to perform and there's always guys there pushing the envelope to get the spot to be in the team," Johnson was quoted as saying in Australian media.

"I actually felt I bowled pretty well, pretty consistent over in Sri Lanka. Obviously I didn't get the wickets. That's what the selectors want to see - wickets and runs.

"But for me I felt like I bowled pretty well, pretty consistent. My pace was up. So it's just getting those wickets on board.

"If I bowled like I did in Sri Lanka in South Africa, I think I'm going to get wickets over there," Johnson said

The 29-year-old has been dropped for the Twenty20 Internationals which start this month's tour to South Africa, but has been retained for the One-dayers and is almost certain to be picked for the Test squad.

Johnson will be playing for the Warriors in their Sheffield Shield opener against Tasmania at the WACA Ground, starting Tuesday.