Mitchell Johnson, a former Australian cricketer, has expressed worries about England’s ability to adapt to the conditions in Adelaide, which will host the third Test of the present Ashes series. The left-arm pacer believes the conditions will be drastically different from those of the first two Tests.
England is currently down 2-0 in the five-match series, having lost both opening games by eight wickets. The team has received harsh criticism for their shot selection and poor fielding.
England showed some potential in the second Test. Joe Root‘s beautiful century gave them an early advantage, and Jofra Archer delivered a blazing spell late in the contest. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Steven Smith’s overwhelming performance.
“It was by being adaptable that they (Root and Archer) were able to do what they did, and if they take away anything from the last Test, they have to take that. Whether they can genuinely adjust their plans now I’m not sure. Some of England’s batting left you scratching your head. They have got the skills, no doubt. I don’t know what conversations they will have behind closed doors, but they need to adjust tactics and mindset fast,” wrote Johnson in his column for The Times.
Johnson, however, also noted that the conditions in Adelaide might actually suit England better than the previous venues.
Reflecting on his own experience, Johnson, who was a key architect with the ball during Australia’s 5-0 Ashes whitewash of England, remarked that this series feels different and does not carry the same dominance.
“Conditions may well be different in Adelaide next week, where you don’t generally see the same bounce and carry, which might suit England. Australia are obviously in a very strong position but they won’t be complacent… This series doesn’t have the same feel as 2013-14, when Australia last won 5-0, but with (Pat) Cummins and (Nathan) Lyon coming back, their momentum is strong. But if England gets it right, it’s not like they can’t come back. Perhaps too much psychological damage has already been done. I don’t think it will be 5-0, but clearly the potential is there,” wrote Johnson.
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