Ponting hails special performance by Harris and Johnson as Aussies square Ashes
After the series leveling win in the third Ashes test at Perth the Australian captain singled out his pace men Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris for their outstanding performances that led to the dismantling of the much vaunted English
batting in the two innings on the fastest track in the world.
The left-armer Johnson who was ousted after an ordinary performance in the first test at Gabba, where he was wicket-less after spending two weeks rebuilding his action in the nets with Troy Cooley, the bowling coach.
His effort paid off big time and Ponting rated his spell on the second day as one of the greatest in Ashes history, he came in his own when England were 0 for 78 in the first innings before crashing to 187 after Johnson's stunning burst
of 4 for 7 in the opening session of the second day.
"The ball was swinging and Mitch's spell was probably one of the all-time great Ashes spells," Ponting said. "Him coming into the game under a bit of pressure as well, it was an amazing achievement and set up this victory and the series
for us.
"The spell has transformed him and transformed how they think about him in the English dressing room. Some of the deliveries he bowled will have them seriously thinking about how they play him. I heard rumours coming into the game that
they had Mitch's type of bowling worked out - I am not sure they think that now. You don't end up with the record he has by fluke, you have to have a lot of skill and commitment."
Once Johnson was done with his destruction on day two, the hosts had reached a position of immense strength which was further strengthened by a resolute batting effort in the second innings.
The Aussies set the English a big target of 391 runs to win the test and after the damage that they inflicted on the third afternoon the POMS had no where to hide, the capitulation was complete with in a short passage of time on the fourth
morning and the hero in the second innings was Ryan Harris.
Harris who took six wickets in all collected four of the five victims on the final morning
"He's not put a foot wrong and is at home in the international game," Ponting said. "It was great to see him get that reward. He has toiled away all week and to see him contribute the way he has is great for him and the team."
The bowling combination worked wonders for the Aussies in the third test match and gave them a much needed win that has kicked alive the series that was tilting in the favour of the tourists decisively after their crushing win in Adelaide.
Now the two teams have to face each other at Melbourne on an even keel for the Boxing Day test, the series is set for a pulsating end especially if the Aussies win the next test.
Even a win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is not going to guarantee them a series win, if the English team bounces back and win either of the Melbourne or Sydney test they would retain the Ashes, hence despite the Perth reversal the English
are somewhat the favourites to retain the little urn.
For the time being the Aussies can relax for a week and reflect happily at the sterling performances of Harris and Johnson in one of the most important test matches that the Australians have played in recent years.
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