Australia‘s “scary” fast bowlers are “more nasty” than Mitchell Johnson, skipper Steve Smith said on Wednesday, echoing repeated warnings to England ahead of the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane. Much mention has been made of the aggressive Johnson’s devastating bowling in the 2013-2014 Ashes, when he took 37 wickets in Australia’s 5-0 series whitewash.

Smith, who has personal experience of facing current quicks Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in the nets, warned England to expect another white-knuckle ride on a pace-friendly Gabba pitch. “It’s been exciting watching them bowl in the nets, I think back to 2013 when Mitchell Johnson was bowling in the nets, these guys are just as nasty, if not more nasty to be honest,”

Smith Smith, who has been urged to bowl more of his part-time leg-spinners during the series, said he was also prepared to trundle down some overs to help out. The Australians have summoned all-rounder Glenn Maxwell to be on standby if key opener David Warner has any further problems with a neck injury suffered during training on Tuesday. Should a reshuffle be needed, number six Shaun Marsh will open the innings with fellow West Australian and Test debutant Cameron Bancroft. But Smith is confident Warner will play.

Australia – David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.