Broad backs 'drop-in' Adelaide Oval to save England from Johnson's 'roughing'

England bowler Stuart Broad has said that he believes the drop-in Adelaide Oval pitch for the second Ashes Test would not suit Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson and thus would help them getting 'roughed up' like Gabba.

The drop-pitch for the Adelaide Test starting on December 5 is expected to offer less pace and bounce to Australia's quicks.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Broad said that England is aware of the danger that Johnson poses, although he expressed confidence that his side would play a lot better in Adelaide as the pitch there will have a different style of wicket, unlike the Gabba, where Johnson 'roughed' them with some short-pitched bowling.

Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow and uncapped pair Gary Ballance and Ben Stokes are vying for the vacant spot in England's top six batting lineup in Adelaide following the return home of Jonathan Trott because of a stress-related illness, the report added.