Mitchell Johnson continued Australia’s charge towards regaining the Ashes

ENGLAND’S batsmen have been condemned as ‘‘petrified’’ after a terrifying Mitchell Johnson continued Australia’s charge towards regaining the Ashes.

Former Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan was merciless when Johnson rippled the heart out of England on the third day of the second Test in Adelaide, claiming a remarkable 7-40.

‘‘Say what you want . . . It’s hard and fast . . . But England look absolutely petrified of Johnson,’’ tweeted Vaughan as his former side collapsed for 172 to trail by a staggering 398 on the first innings.

Claiming he had never bowled better, Johnson revealed Australia would continue to ‘‘cook’’ England by sending them back into the field today, resuming on 3-132, an overall lead of 530. David Warner is unbeaten on 83.

The Ashes could be reclaimed at Perth’s WACA Ground in little more than a week, a venue where the stars regularly align for Johnson on the pace-friendly pitch.

One of the few England players to cope with Johnson’s unnerving pace with an unbeaten 72, Ian Bell admitted many of his teammates were struggling against the rampant left-armer.

Bell claimed he was not ‘‘scared’’ of Johnson, adding ‘‘I can’t speak for everyone’’.

‘‘Obviously we’re going to have to find an answer because he’s blowing us away in the middle and lower order so we need to make sure that we can somehow get through his spells,’’ said Bell.

‘‘When you’re playing pace you have to have some serious courage don’t you. Every batsman has said that.

‘‘We’ve got to get out there and battle hard. You know there are going to be a few past your nose.

‘‘I don’t think we should have been surprised by this. He (Johnson) has just gone into the top 10 wicket-takers of all time (for Australia) so he’s a quality performer.

‘‘He’s bowled a lot more accurately this series than he has in the past but I’m not surprised he’s bowled well. I’ve always respected him as a good bowler.

‘‘When someone is bowling at 150kph you’ve got to be switched on every ball.’’

Johnson claimed three wickets in his 14th over and was on a hat-trick twice as he sliced through the England middle and lower order with a devastating spell of 6- 16 from 26 balls.