Johnson's action is low and so is his confidence

MUCH of the talk following the first Test will revolve around Australia's inability to take wickets in the second innings, but the reality is neither side was able to break through - only seven batsmen were dismissed in the last three days. 

This is either a sign of a lack of strike power in both bowling line-ups or the administrators around the country are producing flat, dead wickets to ensure matches last five days and generate greater revenue.

For the Australians, the biggest issue appears to be the drastic drop in confidence of Mitchell Johnson. Much has been made of Mitch's low arm action since he first came into the team and many have suggested that it is near impossible for him to swing the ball away from the left-hander - but everyone knows he can because of the devastation he caused to the South African top order when Australia last toured there.

Second, Mitch is lacking in confidence. This could be due to the fact he has taken only one wicket in his past four innings, or because he has not had great success against England and his woes have been well documented.

Only wickets will banish the demons from within. I am not sure leaving Mitch out of the Adelaide Test is the best option at present, but I can guarantee you that a selector coming out and stating that he is on borrowed time will help.

My spies tell me that wicket No. 3 was used and its record suggest it's the most lifeless on the square. It has always been the players' belief that administrators want lifeless wickets to ensure matches last five days. The CEOs from the states have always denied this. I guess the proof will be in the pudding as the next four Tests unfold.