Ashes 2017/18, 3rd Test Day 1: 5 things we learnt from the day

#1 Johnny Bairstow revels at no.6

Bairstow stood his ground and made a fine half-century

England had gone into the first two Tests with Moeen Ali batting above Johnny Bairstow for a reason only they understood. That changed at Perth, though, with Bairstow brought back to no.6 and the wicket-keeper batsman immediately justified the move with a valiant half-century.

In the company of a sturdy Dawid Malan, Bairstow looked more solid than ever and made the Aussie bowlers sweat under the scorching sun in the final two sessions. More than his flamboyant self, Bairstow was restrained and let Malan take on the bowling while he ambled along at a steady rate. The century partnership changed the course of the day and have England some respite after two embarassing losses.