Johnson picks on Cook’s doubts

MITCHELL Johnson senses Alastair Cook is “thinking about retirement” and that a deflated and distracted England are ripe to be rolled at the WACA.

Johnson, England’s chief tormentor with the ball four years ago when he led Australia to a 5-0 Ashes victory, is no longer intimidating Cook with bouncers. But the left-armer has turned up the heat on former captain Cook and current skipper Joe Root ahead of the third Test that starts on Thursday.

“England will struggle mentally,” Johnson (pictured) said as Australia prepare their push for a 3-0 lead in the series.

“You’ve got guys like Alastair Cook, who is struggling. He can’t find form.

“I’d say he’s thinking about retirement. Joe Root is the skipper and there’s a lot of pressure on him with what’s happening outside the game.”

Root is negotiating a firestorm ignited by the latest alcohol-fuelled saga that has affected the touring party.