The last time England toured Australia, it was Mitchell Johnson wreaking havoc in the Australian camp. A young Ben Stokes made his mark for England but Johnson tore the visitors’ apart by claiming 37 wickets from five Tests, helping Australia reclaiming the Ashes. The pace sensation warned Australia to not assume that the series was theirs if Stokes did not play.
The 26-year-old England all-rounder remains suspended from England duties as Bristol police continue to investigate the late-night brawl.
“I don’t think you can read too much into what people are commenting on ‘No Stokes, no England’,” Johnson said on BBC Radio Five show ‘Tuffers and Vaughan’ hosted by former England stars Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan. “I think England can win without him. I think at a contest at that high level, anyone can win. If you’re Australia, you don’t want to be thinking they can’t win because Stokes isn’t there – that can bite you in the backside pretty quickly.”
In a eight-year international career, Johnson has played in 19 Ashes Test and has claimed 87 wickets at 25.81. England are the current holder of the Ashes and though Australia’s recent form hasn’t impressed the left-armer he still feels the conditions will help them win the contest.
“I’m still confident that Australia can win the series, but the performances recently haven’t been great from both sides,” Johnson added. “The wickets are a little bouncier and faster, so some of these new guys might find it harder, and that’s where the Australian bowling attack is strong.”
The first Ashes Test starts November 23 at The Gabba, Brisbane.
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