Nathan Coulter-Nile is glad Mitch Johnson might only replace him in the Australian cricket team and not try to take his head off.

Coulter-Nile is likely to make way when the Ashes hero returns to the squad for the second one-dayer against England this Friday at the ‘Gabba.

Johnson terrorised England during the Ashes whitewash with express pace and was named man of the series.

He was rested for the opening one-dayer, where Coulter-Nile finally had a chance to play and took 1-51 as Australia coasted to another emphatic win.

“He’s always been a fantastic bowler and his confidence is sky high,” said Coulter-Nile.

“He’s bowling mid-150s so, hopefully, he can crank it up again.

“He only has 10 overs to bowl.

“I’d definitely be scared if I was facing him.”

Coulter-Nile joined the Australian squad during the Ashes series as back-up for their pace attack, but the XI did not change.

While he has had to wait until the one-dayers to escape 12th man duties, the West Australian has relished the experience.

“You don’t get the opportunity to be around the Test team too often,” he said.

“There are plenty of blokes out there who’ve never had the opportunity.

“I try to learn as much as I can from the bowlers … there’s a reason they’re the best in the world at the moment.”

When Ryan Harris was struggling for fitness during the Ashes, Coulter-Nile admitted to being nervous if he was called on to take his place.

“That’s a little bit of pressure, isn’t there?,” he said.

“I was thinking if Harry goes down here, they’re going to expect me to come in and play.

“It’s going to be a massive drop in ability … well, it is.

“Hopefully, I can keep improving and get to a stage where they can confidently expect me to come in and do that role successfully.”

Coulter-Nile has also played T20 for Australia and Sunday was his first international win.

With fellow pacemen such as Jackson Bird and James Pattinson returning from injury, Coulter-Nile doubts he will make the South African squad.

But the Test team – and having a much bigger role than carrying the drinks – is his ultimate ambition.

“I love the long form and that’s the cricket I want to play so, hopefully, I can get my opportunity there,” he said.