Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has expressed doubts over whether England can adjust their plans to the conditions they will find in Adelaide, the venue for the third Ashes Test where he feels conditions will be different from what they had in the second and first Tests. England are 2-0 down in the five-match series, losing both the first two games by eight wickets and have been roundly criticised for their shot selection and general wastefulness in the field.
England had their noses slightly in front on Day 1 of the second Test thanks to Joe Root’s majestic century. After that, they had another glimpse of individual brilliance in the dying stages of the game when Jofra Archer put in a fiery spell, although it was blunted by a purring Steve Smith. “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,” said Johnson in his column for The Times.
“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.”
Johnson, however, also said that the conditions in Adelaide might suit England better than the other venues. “Conditions may well be different in Adelaide next week, where you don’t generally see the same bounce and carry, which might suit England,” Johnson further wrote.
Johnson was the architect with the ball the last time Australia blanked England 5-0 in an Ashes. He noted that this series doesn’t quite feel the same. “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 get 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,” said Johnson.
