Ashes Series: Australia v England - Third Test (Day 1) Perth

Smith century spoils England's day

Australia 326-6 (Australia lead Series 2-0)

Steve Smith scored an unbeaten century to put Australia on top at the end of the first day in Perth. England enjoyed a good start to the Third Test, reducing Australia to 107-3 at Lunch as Rogers, Watson and Clarke were all dismissed. Australia fought back during the afternoon as Smith and Haddin put on a fifty strong partnership to take their total to 220-5 by Tea. Stokes managed to dismiss Haddin for 55 to break a 100 partnership with Smith. However, Smith battled on for his century and even put on a fifty partnership with Johnson as Australia finished day one on 326-6. 

My Opinion:
The day started well for England but things started to go back in Australia's favour as the day went on. It looked to be an encouraging morning session as Australia were reduced to 106-3. Things seemed to be going very well for England when Warner and Bailey were both dismissed, leaving Australia 143-5. However, Smith and Haddin put on a century partnership to save the Australian innings. Haddin went for 55 but it was Smith who ruined England's hopes on the first day, scoring an unbeaten century. Even Johnson raced to 39 not out at the close of play. Not the finish to the day England were hoping for but they need to bowl the Aussies out for under 350 otherwise they will be chasing the Test. Australia dug in deep today and recovered well from a tough stance. If they can score close to 400 then they will be in a strong position for the rest of the Test. 



Match Guide: Key Moments

Australia win the toss and elect to bat first.

Morning Session:

Australia First Innings:
0243: 13-1, Rogers 11 (9), 2 fours, run out by Anderson. 
0318: 52-1, Warner 22*, Watson 18*.
0324: 52-2, Watson 18 (29), 3 fours, caught Swann, Broad.
0414: 105-2, 50 partnership between Warner 47* and Clarke 24*.
0422: 106-3, Clarke 24 (44), 5 fours, caught Cook, Swann.
0430: 107-3, Warner 49*, Smith 0*. Lunch.

Afternoon Session:
0511: 108-3, 50 for Warner.
0534: 129-4, Warner 60 (77), 8 fours, 1 six, caught Carberry, Swann.
0553: 143-5, Bailey 7 (12), 1 four, caught Pietersen, Broad.
0607: 153-5, Smith 22*, Haddin 6*.
0648: 196-5, 50 partnership between between Smith 50* and Haddin 14*.
0653: 203-5, Smith 55*, Haddin 21*.
0712: 220-5, Smith 58*, Haddin 35*. Tea.

Evening Session: 
0756: 246-5, 100 partnership between Smith 76* and Haddin 43*.
0802: 254-5, Smith 76*, 50 for Haddin.
0847: 267-6, Haddin 55 (100), 5 fours, 2 sixes, caught Anderson, Stokes.
0924: 302-6, 100 for Smith, Johnson 18*.
0948: 323-6, 50 partnership between Smith 103* and Johnson 36*.
0958: 326-6, Smith 103*, Johnson 39*. Close of Play.

Batsman of the Day: Smith 103*
Bowler of the Day: Broad/Swann both took two wickets