Mitchell Johnson, a former cricket player for Australia, has voiced concerns over England’s ability to adapt to the conditions in Adelaide, where the third Test of the current Ashes series will be played. According to the left-arm pacer, the conditions will be very different from those of the first two Test matches.
After losing both of their first games by eight wickets, England is already behind 2-0 in the five-match series. The team’s poor fielding and shot selection have drawn harsh criticism.
England displayed fleeting hints of potential in the second Test. They had an advantage on the opening day thanks to Joe Root’s magnificent century, while Jofra Archer produced a blazing spell later in the game. But in the end, Steven Smith’s commanding performance eclipsed their attempts.
“Root and Archer were able to accomplish what they accomplished because they were flexible, and if they learn anything from the previous Test, it must be that. I’m not sure if they can actually change their plans at this time. You were left perplexed by some of England’s batting. Without a question, they possess the skills.
They need to quickly change their strategy and mentality, but I’m not sure what they will discuss behind closed doors,” Johnson said in his Times editorial.
But Johnson also pointed out that Adelaide’s climate might be more suitable for England than the earlier locations. Johnson, a crucial architect with the ball during Australia’s 5-0 Ashes thumping of England, reflected on his own experience and said that this series is different and lacks the same domination.
“Next week in Adelaide, where you don’t typically see the same bounce and carry, conditions might be different, which would work for England. Australia is clearly in a very good position, but they won’t sit back and do nothing. Australia previously won this series 5-0 in 2013–14, so it doesn’t seem as good, but they have a lot of momentum now that (Pat) Cummins and (Nathan) Lyon are back. However, it’s not impossible for England to return if they do it well. Maybe too much psychological harm has been done already. Johnson wrote, “I don’t think it will be 5-0, but obviously the potential is there.”
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