Mitchell Johnson could create mayhem again: Ian Chappell

Ashes to ashes dust to dust if Thommo dont get ya then Lillee must That witty ditty first appeared during the 197475 series but it also serves as a succinct reminder of Ashes history mdash a tale of terrific and at times terrifying fast bowlingMitchell Johnson PicGetty ImagesIts a history littered with occasional broken bones and animosity and highlighted by the colourful nicknames attached to speedsters who dictated the fate of a series It all began with The Demon Fred Spofforth and has continued with Harold Larwood known as the Notts Express Ray Killer Lindwall Frank Typhoon Tyson Jeff Terror Thomson and his coconspirator Dennis The Menace LilleePace trend backThe trend of pace domination surfaced again in the last Ashes series when Mitchell Johnson mdash yet to acquire a threatening epithet mdash shattered the English will with a withering burst of pace and steep bounce Thanks to Johnson Australia was able to turn a 3nil deficit in 2013 into a 5nil surplus in early 2014 A stunning turnaround in fortunes that has every countrys treasurer droolingWhile Johnsons pace was the catalyst for such a quick Australian rebound he was complemented by a strong supporting attack and an astute tactical captainOn the early evidence Johnsons confidence in his own ability has risen to a point where he could create similar mayhem even on the less bouncy English surfaces Even if he cant Australia is still well placed with the likes of Ryan Harris Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood who while all lively in pace also complement that gift with movement both off the seam and through the airEven with the advent of Steve Smiths mercurylike rise to the top of the rankings Australias batting is vulnerable Nevertheless theres less pressure on a batting lineup whose bowlers keep the opposition tally to a manageable level Englands chances in the series have improved in the last few weeks and it has nothing to do with a spate of offfield appointments England is suddenly playing a much livelier brand of cricket and the best way to beat a strong opponent like Australia is to attack them judiciouslyIn fact its the one nonappointment made by England that may well hamper their pursuit of the urn Despite the many changes to personnel in the English hierarchy Alastair Cook remains captain and hes not proactive enough to ensure this team fulfills its undoubted potentialWhen choosing a captain selectors must take into account the nature of the team Are they a dour bunch of fighters who will wear the opposition down or are they an aggressive group whose best option is to attack at every opportunity Andrew Strauss was an appropriate leader for a team that contained a few stars but mostly good hard working cricketersThats not the type of side England are now The current team has the potential to take the game by the scruff of the neck thanks to an aggressive middleorder eventually a vibrant cricketer like Joe Root may be the leader who brings out the best in this teamIt will help Roots cause when he ultimately takes over if England has unearthed a genuine speedster to spearhead the attackSporting wickets pleaseDespite Englands attack being a good one they are outpaced by Australias fast men and it would be interesting to listen in on the instructions issued to the groundsmen England is quick to condemn others but they are high on the most wanted list when it comes to countries who prepare pitches that suit the home sideWhen in doubt say nothing and then complain afterwards if it all goes awry may well be the prevailing wisdom Hopefully the pitches will provide an even contest between bat and ball and the skill of the players will decide what increasingly looms as an absorbing contest If thats the case recent history suggests that despite Englands changed attitude Australia will still prevail Ashes to ashes dust to dust if Johnson dont get ya then others must