Mitchell Johnson was England's Ashes nemesis in 2013-14

Mitchell Johnson has reportedly rejected the chance to play against England in the tourists' opening Ashes warm-up game in Perth this weekend.

Johnson, 36, destroyed England during their Ashes whitewash down under in 2013-14, scooping 37 wickets at 13.97 across the five Tests with his scorching left-arm pace.

However, according to the West Australian newspaper, the seamer - who retired from Test cricket in 2015 - has shunned an invitation to feature for a WACA XI against Joe Root's side.

Nathan Coulter-Nile will instead lead the bowling attack at The WACA from Saturday having been withdrawn from Western Australia's Sheffield Shield clash with New South Wales.

Nathan Coulter-Nile will lead the WACA XI attack

Coulter-Nile has been tipped as an Ashes contender but says he does not expect to come into consideration for a spot in the first Test at The Gabba on November 23.

"Not unless something drastic happens to the three big quicks [Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins] and Birdy [Jackson Bird]," said the 30-year-old when asked about his chances of figuring in Brisbane.

"Those four have probably got the first crack at it but five Tests in a row is hard work so hopefully I can be there or thereabouts when the time comes."

Hazlewood, though, wants Coulter-Nile to give the England batsmen a stiff examination at The WACA, telling reporters: "Maybe he can crack open a few of them early and create a few scars in their top and middle order."

England will be without all-rounder Moeen Ali (side) and Steve Finn (knee) for the clash, with back-up wicketkeeper Ben Foakes the only uninjured player not to be included in the tourists' 13-man squad.