Ashes 2017/18: England Can Win Without Ben Stokes – Mitchell Johnson

Oct 23, 2017 at 5:48 PM

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Ashes 2017/18: England Can Win Without Ben Stokes – Mitchell Johnson

The former Aussie speedster Mitchell Johnson, who single-handedly helped Australia win the Ashes Trophy in the 2013-14 season by picking up 37 wickets believe that England team can retain the urn without their star all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was suspended from the national duties while the police investigation of getting into a scuffle on the road.

Mitchell Johnson took 37 wickets against England in the 2013/14 Ashes. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

The left-arm fast bowler who had given nightmares to batsmen all over the world with his fiery pace and in-swing yorkers admitted the Aussies would make a huge blunder if they take on the touring England side lightly without their star player Ben Stokes.

He also mentioned that none of the teams have played good cricket off-late keeping their recent performances in mind. England had won their last Test series to a rather weak Windies side after beating South Africa 3-1 at home earlier.

While Australia could manage only a draw against the Bangladesh side days after the turmoil between the players and board officials resolved.

Ben Stokes is suspended until further notice by ECB for being involved in a brawl outside a pub in Bristol. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

Johnson while talking to BBC Radio Five said,

“I don’t think you can read too much into what people are commenting on ‘No Stokes, No England’.”

England has some quality players on both their batting and bowling departments who can win matches for their side on any given day. He also further mentioned that at this level, anybody could win the game and it won’t matter a lot if any single cricketer misses out.

The veteran pacer knows well about how the fate of players can easily change during the Ashes. While he rattled the English batsman in the 2013-14 season with a combination of short-pitch deliveries, and toe-crushers, he couldn’t find his rhythm in the previous Ashes series.

However, Johnson is confident that the Australia team has the quality to reclaim the Ashes Trophy keeping in mind that the England team will get served with green tops. The pitch will be slightly bouncier and faster which might cause problems to newcomers, as Australia has a decent fast-bowling attack.

Mitchell Starc will lead the Aussies pace attack against England in the upcoming Ashes. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

The Ashes series will kick off on November 23 in Gabba, Brisbane followed by the rest four Test matches slated to be played at the Adelaide Oval, WACA, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

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