Mitchell Johnson tormented England's batsmen during the 5-0 Ashes whitewash Down Under 18 months ago but the Australia paceman came in for some stick from the Barmy Army on Thursday.

Johnson was the scourge of England the last time the famous urn was contested after putting in one of the great Ashes bowling performances by taking 37 wickets.

But there were no signs of him repeating that display during the opening innings of the first Test in Cardiff on Thursday morning.

Australia bowler Mitchell Johnson doffs his cap in the direction of cheering England supporters

Johnson was applauded by England fans after conceding 100 runs without taking a wicket in the first innings

After tipping his cap to the standing ovation Johnson kissed the Australian badge

111 - Mitchell Johnson has conceded more runs in this innings than he ever has before when not taking a wicket in Tests (111). Radar. — OptaJim (@OptaJim) July 9, 2015

Johnson was handed a standing ovation by England supporters after conceding 100 runs without taking a wicket at the Swalec Stadium as he made his way back to the boundary.

The 33-year-old, who had famously struggled with ball against England during the 2009 Ashes series, responded with typical Australian bravado as he doffed his cap before kissing the badge in front of the cheering crowd.

England, who three months ago would have struggled to find anyone to back them against the Aussies this summer, worked their way to a very respectable first-innings score of 430 during the first session of the second day.

The figures for Johnson made for less comfortable reading though. The left-arm seamer finished the innings with no wickets having gone for 111 runs - the worst figures of his Test career.

Johnson thought he had taken his first wicket of the innings but Adam Voges grounded a catch