3rd Ashes Test, Perth, Stumps, Day 1

I think again this day showed the marked difference between the two sides.As stumps were drawn England were 29 without lose in reply to Australia’s 268.The Australia fans will say that the pitch was green and bowling friendly,but the bottom line is this.Australia’s batting was very average due to players who aren’t test class being in its top 6.In Phil Hughes and Steven Smith and the English bowled well and as has been the case this whole series fielded exceptionally well.

The aforementioned Smith and Hughes underline the lack of depth in Australian cricket at present.By contrast the replacement for Stuart Broad in Chris Tremlett walked into the test arena and performed admirably being the chief instigator of the early carnage for Australia.Where Australia was reduced to 69/5 and Tremlett claimed 3 scalps.

Again Ricky Ponting failed to make an impact in a game that his side were crying out for him to make a statement with the bat.Though his dismissal was symbolised by a freak of a catch by Paul Collingwood in slips,but again highlights the English performance in the field.That has been another key in them dominating this series.There was a time during this days play where there were fears that Australia would be dismissed for under 100.

Though two of the Australian’s who have performed in this series in Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin embarked on a rescue missions with both getting fine 50′s.Though admittedly they needed to replicate their partnership from Brisbane in this test!Mitchell Johnson added further respectability with a hard hitting 62 to get the total to 268.Though all this highlighted was the ease of batting on this pitch and the below par score that the Australian’s achieved.

This point hammered home with the ease of how the English openers batted till stumps and the little or no threat the Aussie bowlers posed.

The Pitch is flat and the outfield is super quick,so day two could be the first nail put into the Australian coffin in this Ashes series!