Glenn Maxwell mocked England’s attempts at putting a brave face on their latest galling experience at the hands of Mitchell Johnson as Australia won the tri-series final at Perth by 112 runs on Sunday.
Johnson caused misery for England’s batsmen last winter as he took 37 Ashes wickets in the 5-0 whitewash and he was back among the wickets again yesterday as he dismissed Moeen Ali, James Taylor and England captain Eoin Morgan in the space of 10 balls.
That left England reeling at 46 for four in pursuit of Australia’s total of 278 for eight, and they never recovered as they slumped to 166 all out in 39.1 overs.
Morgan played down the role of Johnson, and said: “I think it probably could have been anybody bowling. I don’t think he swung it. We must have put ourselves under pressure. I don’t know why we performed like this.
“We chatted about the opposition very briefly, as we’ve played against them so much in the past. I don’t think we were threatened that much today. ”
Maxwell, who top scored with 95 and picked up four for 46 with his off spin, was baffled by Morgan’s comments. Put to him that England had apparently been unconcerned about Johnson’s efforts he said: “They should be, he had three for 11 at one stage and tore through their top order.
“They can be not worried at all but if they’re getting skittled by him they probably should be.” Australia had been struggling with the bat at 60 for four, before a stand of 161 for the fifth wicket between Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh (60) revived their innings.
Some big hitting from James Faulkner pushed the Australia score up as he struck an unbeaten 50 off 34 balls, which included four sixes.
The sides next meet on February 14 to open the World Cup at Melbourne in a Group A match.
Morgan denied England would be downhearted going into the match having lost all three matches against the Australians in the tri-series.
“I think the pressure builds on Australia from that perspective,” he said. “They’re a home side, their first game of the World Cup, playing against a dangerous side. We’re going out all guns blazing, there’s no pressure from our point of view.”
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