Before the start of the third Ashes Test at the WACA in Perth, Australia was under a lot of pressure and everything seemed to be going wrong for them. The situation has however changed quite dramatically after a splendid comeback spell from Mitchell Johnson.
At the close of play on day two, Australia was leading by 200 runs with seven second innings wickets in hand.
England captain Andrew Strauss won the toss and elected to bowl first on a track that was green and had the bounce for which WACA is known to have. For the last five years the pitch at Perth has been flat to bat on with some assistance for the spinners,
but the current pitch is in total contrast.
As expected, England just made one change to their line-up and brought Chris Tremlett in for the injured Stuart Broad. On the other hand, Australia brought Steven Smith, Phil Hughes, Ben Hilfenhaus and Mitchell Johnson into the scheme of things.
Andrew Strauss’s risk to bowl first paid off, and at one stage Australia were five down with only 69 runs on the board. The hosts however recovered, and managed to reach a respectable total of 268 runs after valiant half-centuries from Michael Hussey, Brad
Haddin and Mitchell Johnson. Johnson was the top-scorer with 62 runs off only 93 balls, which included eight fours a six.
Chris Tremlett, who is playing his first Test of the series, was the pick of the English bowlers with figures of three for 63 runs in his 23 overs. He troubled the Australian batsmen with his accuracy and bounce. James Anderson also took three wickets for
England. While Graeme Swann and Steven Finn picked up two wickets each.
In reply, England got off to a good start with a 78-run opening partnership between Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook, but lost its way after a tremendous spell of fast bowling by Mitchell Johnson. England was all out for just 187 runs, giving Australia
an 81-run lead. Ian Bell remained the top-scorer for the English with a solid 53 off 90 balls, which included six boundaries. Skipper Andrew Strauss also scored a half-century at the top of the order.
Mitchell Johnson, who has come under a lot of criticism this year, destroyed the English batting line-up with a six-wicket haul in a brilliant display of swing bowling. He looked like a completely different bowler compared to his showing in Brisbane. Ryan
Harris supported him ably with three crucial wickets, while Peter Siddle picked up the wicket of Matt Prior.
At the close of play on day two, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 was not out on 61 runs, whereas Michael Hussey was at the crease on 24. Steven Finn grabbed two wickets, while
Chris Tremlett picked up one wicket for his team.
Australia definitely look like they are in the driving seat because of a special effort by Mitchell Johnson, but there is still a lot of work left for the Aussies to square the series.
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