England's torturer-in-chief Mitchell Johnson could miss start of World T20 with toe problem

Aussie paceman facing time on the sidelines

Mitchell Johnson celebrates with the Ashes Urn after the 5-0 whitewash over England (GETTY IMAGES)

The man most responsible for giving England's batsmen a nightmare winter, Mitchell Johnson, could miss the start of the upcoming World Twenty20 with a toe problem.

Johnson has an infected toe from a cut he received in Australia's dramatic third Test victory over South Africa last week and may join the squad in Bangladesh late as a result.

Cricket Australia's chief medical officer, associate professor Justin Paoloni, told www.cricket.com.au: "Mitch has been home in Perth recovering from the Test series against South Africa but has developed an infection as a result of a cut he had on his right big toe after the third Test.

"He is receiving treatment, but his departure to Bangladesh for the ICC World T20 may be delayed until we are happy that the infection has resolved and his toe fully recovered."

Australia who are currently favourites for the tournament, begin their World T20 campaign against Pakistan in Dhaka on March 23.

Johnson is currently in an unbelievable run of form, having taken 59 wickets at an average of only just over 15 in his last eight Tests.