England on top in Perth
December 16th 2010 22:23
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
Going into the third Ashes test in Perth, England knew victory would see them retain the Ashes. After their dominant display in the second test in Adelaide, the tourists were looking to take that momentum into day one yesterday in this crucial test. After ripping through the Aussie top order on day one of the last match, they were looking for a similar start again yesterday. And with the host's batting first, that's what England got.
The only change for England, was that Chris Tremlett came in for the injured Stuart Broad, joining Anderson and Finn as our seamers. Australia meanwhile, made four changes. Phil Hughes came in to open the batting, with North replaced at six by Steve Smith. Changes in the bowling attack also saw returns to the side for Ben Hilfenhaus and Mitchell Johnson.
It was Tremlett's introduction into the lineup which made the difference, in the first session. He tour through the Aussie top order, taking three wickets as Ponting's men slipped to 68-5. Finn removed Watson, and Anderson got rid of Ponting, as England made another perfect start going into lunch.
But, once again, Hussey and Haddin proved thorns in England's side. Scores of 61 and 53 respectively, recovered the situation. Tail ender Johnson made 62, along with 36 for Siddle, meaning that Australia made 268 all out. Once again they were bowled out on day one, though possibly for slighlty more than Strauss would have liked at 68-5.
England had a tricky twelve over spell to negotiate in the evening session, which they managed to escape from unscathed. Alastair Cook was in no mood to be defensive following his recent form, as he struck a big six, with the day ending 29-0. The tourists go into day two 238 runs behind, with all ten wickets still intact.
Another good day of batting tomorrow, would see England take a huge step towards winning this test, and retaining the Ashes. A 2-0 lead with two tests to play, would mean that they would at least draw the series, meaning the urn would come home with them. For Australia, they have to hope their new look bowling attack come up trumps, on a good bouncing track at the Waca.
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