JOHNSON LAUNCHES HEAVY CRITICISM OF ENGLAND

Former Australia seamer thinks Alastair Cook is contemplating retirement

Mitchell Johnson has laid into England ahead of the third Ashes Test, suggesting Alastair Cook will be contemplating quitting and saying the tourists "don't have a lot going for them".

Australia lead the series 2-0 after victories in Brisbane and Adelaide and could regain the urn at the WACA - the next installment begins on Thursday.

Having watched England fail to keep pace with their hosts over the course of five days, Johnson has found plenty of holes to poke in the visitors' line-up. And Cook - who has a top score of 37 in his past eight Test innings - is top of the list.

"England will struggle mentally," Johnson said.

^{Mitchell Johnson has had a few choice words to say about England}

"You've got guys like Alastair Cook who is struggling. He can't find form and I'd say he's thinking about retirement – he's played 150 Test matches, it's got to take it out of you.

"Joe Root is the skipper and there's a lot of pressure on him with what's happening outside the game, but also winning the toss (in Adelaide) and what he did last game was debatable and that's got to mentally take its toll on him as well.

"He'll be questioning and doubting himself.

"Then there's Bairstow, who I thought was a little bit up and down whether 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 I don't feel, and I can say that now sitting on the outside now, its' easier to say. But that's just what I see."

^{Johnson saved particular criticism for Alastair Cook}

Johnson has been impressed by Australia's seam department, however.

England have found life tough against the three-pronged attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, and Johnson likes what he has seen.

"They bring something different, a left armer (Starc) who bowls fast and swings it can clean up the tail," Johnson said.

"You've got Patty Cummins who has been through a lot of experiences already in his short career and he's learned a lot with his injuries, he's had and to come back and to perform so consistently so far. He bats as well.

"And Josh Hazlewood who bowls a really good line and length.

"They just all complement each other really well, and I see a really good potential in these guys if they can keep going."

MORE FROM THE CRICKETER: Paine defends Aussies' sledging