Ashes 2017/18: Alastair Cook Contemplating Retirement - Mitchell Johnson

Former Aussie speedster Mitchell Johnson is of the opinion that Alastair Cook is contemplating retirement from Tests. He further stated that England would be rolled at the WACA in Perth in the 3^rd Test in Perth which will help the hosts take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Johnson, who tormented the England batting line-up with his fiery bowling during the 2013/14 Ashes which led the Aussies to a 5-0 series win is no longer intimidating Cook with his bouncers, but has turned up the heat with his verbal volleys on the former English skipper, and Joe Root ahead of the 3^rd Test.

Also Read: Ashes 2017/18: James Anderson Unlikely to Get Much Movement in Perth – Cameron Bancroft

“England will struggle mentally,” Johnson said as Australia prepare to reclaim the Ashes with a victory in the 3^rd Test in Perth. “There’s a lot of distractions, I think they’ll be deflated from the last performance. You’ve got guys like Alastair Cook, who is struggling. He can’t find form. I’d say he’s thinking about retirement. Joe Root is the skipper, and there’s a lot of pressure on him with what’s happening outside the game.”

The former left-arm pacer who bagged 37 wickets in the 2013 series said the current Aussie attack has the potential to dominate world cricket adding they have already rattled the England squad.

“Very similar to 13-14,” he said, after joining the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood during a training session ahead of the 3^rd Test in Perth.

Also Read: Ashes 2017/18: Ricky Ponting’s Advice for Tim Paine to Improve on the Pull, Hook Shot

Root has to face some flakes which had been ignited by the latest alcohol-related issue with Ben Duckett pouring a drink on James Anderson in a bar at Perth.

“But also winning the toss and what he did last game was debatable, and that’s got to mentally take its toll on him,” Johnson said.

“He’ll be questioning and doubting himself. Still talking about (Ben) Stokes. Then there’s (Jonny) Bairstow….he was going to be their next senior player to step up, and we haven’t seen that yet. They don’t really have a lot going for them.”

Also Read: Ashes 2017/18: Marcus Stoinis Eyes Big Following Dad’s Death