Is Mitchell Johnson about to get a whole lot better?

Mitchell Johnson’s new goatee should strike fear in the hearts of every batsman around the world.

If the theories about his moustache being linked to his bowling performances are indeed real, the left-arm speedster could be about to step things up a notch.

A moustachioed Mitch burst back onto the international stage when Australia reclaimed the Ashes on home soil last year.

Many said his Test cricket days were over, and the Poms had a significant mental advantage over him.

But with his newfound confidence and some extra facial hair, he tore through the English batting line-up, taking 37 wickets at an average of 13.97.

And then the unthinkable happened – he shaved off the mo at the behest of his girlfriend. The result? One wicket at an average of 131 in the subsequent one-day series.

So when Australia set off for South Africa a few weeks later, the mo made a return and so did Mitch’s terrifying form.

22 wickets and an average of 17.36 ensued as Johnson led Australia back to the top of the Test cricket world rankings.

And now, after a well-earned break, the Aussies are back in action against South Africa and Zimbabwe, and Mitch’s mo appears to have gained a friend.

With some extra hair on his chin, Johnson is now sporting a full goatee, in what could be an indication that things are about to get a whole lot worse for his opponents.

Case in point, this massive six against Zimbabwe that smashed the commentary box window: