England are currently 2-0 down in the five-match series, having lost both their opening matches by eight wickets. The team has been heavily criticized for their shot selection and poor fielding.
In the second Test, England showed brief signs of promise. Joe Root’s majestic century gave them the lead 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 adapting that they (Root and Archer) were able to do what they did, and if they take anything away from the last Test, they have to take it. Whether they can really adapt their plans now, I’m not sure. Some of England’s batting left you scratching your head. No doubt they have the skills. I don’t know what conversations they will have behind closed doors, but they need to adapt their tactics and mentality quickly,” Johnson wrote in his column for The Times.
However, Johnson also noted that conditions in Adelaide may suit England better than in previous locations. Reflecting on his own experiences, Johnson, who was a key architect with the ball during England’s 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia, noted that this series feels different and doesn’t convey the same dominance.
“Conditions could be very different next week in Adelaide where you generally won’t see the same bounce and carry which might suit England. Australia are clearly 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 do well it’s not like they can’t come back. Maybe too much psychological damage has already been done. I don’t think it will be 5-0, but the potential is clearly there,” Johnson wrote.
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