Former Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson has expressed doubts over whether England can adjust to the conditions in Adelaide, the venue for the third Test of the ongoing Ashes series. The left-arm pacer believes the conditions will differ significantly from those in the first two Tests.
England currently trail 2-0 in the five-match series, having lost both opening games by eight wickets. The team has faced heavy criticism for their shot selection and lacklustre fielding.
In the second Test, England showed brief signs of promise. Joe Root’s majestic century gave them an edge on the first day, and late in the match, Jofra Archer produced a fiery spell. However, their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by a dominant performance from Steven 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. 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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