Johnson accuses England of deliberately 'unsettling' Oz fast bowlers by 'backing away'

Australian fast bowling star Mitchell Johnson has reportedly accused England of deliberately backing away from fast bowlers as a tactic to unsettle Australia's pacemen.

It is not uncommon for batsmen to walk away from a delivery if members of the crowd appear in their line of vision, but Johnson says the regularity with which it has happened during the Ashes indicates England is doing it for other reasons.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the fiery left-arm bowler has said that he expects the Ashes tourists to continue to employ it in the fifth and final Test at the SCG, starting on Friday, adding that it is how he has seen England playing since the start of his career.

The issue came to a head during the Boxing Day Test when controversial Englishman Kevin Pietersen walked away during Johnson's run-up, causing the series leading wicket-taker to react angrily by pegging the ball in Pietersen's direction.

Although Johnson admitted that he regrets the action, he however, said that he would not be playing nice if England tries it again in Sydney.