AFTER playing a key role in Australia’s hat-trick of World Cup victories at the indoor game, Golden Square’s Scott Johnson will be at the crease for tomorrow’s innings in the sun at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.The Bulldogs will be chasing 281 for victory on the Hawks’ turf in the opening round of the BDCA season.A No. 3 batsman and four-time premiership player, Johnson’s form will be crucial to Square’s chances. At the indoor game, Johnson and his Aussie team-mates were in hot form in the World Cup action at Bristol. Victory in the final against South Africa followed World Cup wins in Sri Lanka in 2004, and Wellington in ‘01.The lead-up to the Cup included Australia’s tour of South Africa last year.‘‘The South Africans beat Australia, so there was plenty of rivalry going into the World Cup,’’ Johnson said.‘‘All three matches against South Africa were hard-fought.’’ Australia’s opponents were South Africa, England, New Zealand, France, Guernsey, Pakistan, and India.The format was playing each country twice and then Super Fours was played. To be at the World Cup capped a remarkable comeback by Johnson to the indoor game.Because of study and training at the Victoria Police Academy he had not played top-level indoor cricket for almost two years. He returned to play for Springvale in the Victorian league and then went on to the national championships.‘‘I hadn’t really thought about the nationals, let alone the World Cup.’’ Some persuasion from a few people led to the 22-year veteran of the game being on the pitch at the nationals, and then World Cup.He had captained Australia’s indoor cricket team for more than five years.‘‘In some ways I think this was last my World Cup, but Brisbane is a chance to host the championships in 2009, so I may keep on going,’’ the Bendigo-based policeman said.He said the basics of cricket, indoor or outdoor, did not alter greatly.‘‘The key is playing straight.`At indoor you try and play the shot a bit later and hit more into the ground.’’ As a bowler he uses a variety of spin and changing pace.Johnson’s focus is now on Golden Square’s quest for another premiership.Throughout a successful run at Golden Square, Johnson has often been the mainstay of the innings, either as an opener or at No. 3.Runner-up last summer, Golden Square has started the season with a new-look attack, and some key inclusions to the batting line-up.This summer the Bulldogs have the attacking prowess of captain-coach Phil Hetherington, as well as Grant Connelly, Matt Dwyer, and the hard-hitting Marcus McKern.With Johnson at the top of the order the Bulldogs will put up a fight.