Australia warned England now have their own Mitchell Johnson to tip Ashes series
Mark Wood can become England’s very own Mitchell Johnson at Old Trafford, according to Ashes hero Ian Bell.
Fast bowler Johnson blew away the visitors Down Under in 2013/14, taking 37 wickets at an average of 13.97 to secure the Ashes by a 5-0 scoreline. After sitting out of the first two Tests, Wood made a huge impact at Headingley, reaching a top speed of 96.5mph to help secure a win which has the series delicately poised at 2-1 in Australia’s favour.
Wood took seven wickets in Leeds by visibly rushing the top order and mopping up the tail. Bell faced Johnson during that hellish Ashes drubbing and sees similarities between the two.
Speaking on behalf of Betfair, Bell told Mirror Sport: “Wood’s bowling was phenomenal to watch. You know when genuine pace is there, what it can do to the best players and the tailenders in particular.
“If Wood’s fresh and he’s bowling at No7 to No11, he’s going to knock them over, much like Mitchell Johnson did in 2013 in Australia. If the batting unit haven’t got him into his 15th over, when he’s tired, he’s going to knock them over.
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“The impressive thing with Wood was not just the pace, but he was swinging the ball, which makes it a completely different thing. If he can stick to those levels, with a fresh [Jimmy] Anderson coming back in on his home ground and with [Stuart] Broad, who has been brilliant against [David] Warner again, it’s looking really nice.”
England have made just one change to their starting line-up, bringing in Anderson on his home ground for Ollie Robinson, who struggled with back spasms at Headingley.
Mark Wood reached 96.5mph at Headingley (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)Bell is also on board with England’s decision to bat Moeen Ali at No3 at Old Trafford. Earlier in the summer the 36-year-old could never have envisioned himself performing the role but he is the right man for the here and now according to Bell.
An injury to Jack Leach saw the previously retired Moeen parachuted into the series before another injury to Ollie Pope opened up another vacancy.
Moeen selflessly took on the No3 role in the second innings at Headingley to allow youngster Harry Brook to stay in his preferred position of No5 – and he will stay there at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
“What I know about Moeen – and what I love – is his willingness to do whatever the team needs and with him doing that it keeps the balance of the side,” Bell said. “It’s been talked about and tried, but if it was me, I still think the easiest solution would be for Rooty to bat at No3. But he wants to stay at No4, which is fine. I get that. He’s our best player, his record is incredible.
“What I quite like is that they’re not looking too far away. They’re just looking at this next game and asking ‘How are we going to win it?’ It’s not the long-term solution, but it is about winning the next game. With the balance of the side, if Stokesy is available to bowl too much, it does make sense.
“I think it stretches the side out, keeps it nicely balanced. If Moeen does get in, we know he’s an elegant player, he can score runs fast and it’s a bit of a free hit. It probably helps explain what an environment they’ve created there, because Moeen is such a selfless player.”
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