Gillespie urges England to attack Mitch

Jason Gillespie says England need to take the attack to Mitchell Johnson or remain in “complete denial” against the Australian tearaway.

It was Groundhog Day in the Carlton Mid ODI Tri-Series final in Perth when Johnson ripped through England’s top order to revive memories of Australia’s 5-0 Ashes whitewash in which the 33-year-old was named man of the series for his 37 wickets at 14 runs each.

Following the match England skipper Eoin Morgan denied his team still suffered the mental scars inflicted by Johnson the previous summer, instead saying it "could have been anybody bowling".

Former England batsman Jonathan Trott has also downplayed Johnson’s fearsome aura, nut Gillespie says England need to reverse their thinking if they are to conquer their chief tormentor.

“I certainly think the England camp is trying to downplay the significance of Mitchell Johnson,” Gillespie said.

“I’d try to throw the pressure back on him, because by not acknowledging that he has performed well against England in the past, I think that just adds a little bit of spark for Mitchell.

“He would see that as a real positive.

“You do have to acknowledge if someone is performing well against you.

“You acknowledge it and then you can move on, whereas if you just stay in complete denial it is just going to fester.” 

Johnson rips through England in the Tri-Series final

The 71-Test veteran says taking the attack to Johnson is the best way to rattle the left-armer, and names one Englishman who could lead the charge.

“I wouldn’t go down the path of looking to sit on him and just get through these spells,’ he said.

“Treat him like another bowler; if he bowls a bad ball, put it away, try to put the pressure back on him. No bowler likes going for runs.

“I think Jos Buttler can take it to Mitch. He’s not afraid of the short ball. Look, England have got skilful players, there’s no question of that.

“I’d just like to see them believe that they can go out there and play.”

Image Id: ~/media/EE8075E9917B40F48892F08022594A7E

Take on Mitch or suffer says Dizzy // Getty Images

Gillespie also says he would consider coaching England if the opportunity presented itself.

Gillespie is currently at the helm of English county side Yorkshire and last season led them to their first County Championship in more than a decade.

The 39-year-old was linked with the England top job following Andy Flower’s exit a year ago before then Lancashire head coach Peter Moores landed the gig.

But if the chance to lead his adopted country became available, Gillespie could well be the first Australian to coach the Old Enemy,

“Oh, I wouldn’t rule it out, no question,” Gillespie said when asked if he would consider coaching England in the future.

“I love the English game; obviously we live here, and my daughter was born here.

“So as I say, any opportunity that comes up you look at.”

Yorkshire has given Gillespie permission to coach in the KFC T20 Big Bash League next summer, but he is unlikely to return home for good.

“Talking from a pure family point of view, coaching at county level in the short term might be the best option for us,” he said.

“I absolutely love my job here at Yorkshire; it’s a great gig, I really enjoy it.

“I think it’ll be great to learn about the Big Bash. Whatever I can learn I’ll bring back to county level at Yorkshire. It would be win-win for everyone.”