Ashes Series: Australia v England - Third Test (Day 3) Perth

Warner century torments England

Australia 385 & 235-3 lead England 251 by 369 runs (Australia lead Series 2-0)

David Warner scored a century in Australia's second innings to stretch the lead to 369 runs over England. It was a great start to the day's play for Australia as two early wickets saw Bell and Stokes both dismissed. England continued to struggle during the morning session with Prior, Broad and Bresnan losing their wickets cheaply, reducing the tourists to 233-9. The innings was over by lunch as Siddle dismissed Anderson, leaving England 251 all out and 134 runs still behind Australia. Warner and Rogers then produced a 150 run strong partnership before Rogers was dismissed shortly after passing his fifty. Warner passed his century as Australia put themselves in full control of the Test. England finished the day with two late wickets, dismissing both Warner and Clarke. However, at the close of play on day three, England trail by 369 runs.

My Opinion:
England are certainly not going to win this Test after a terrible day in Perth. The morning session saw England lose six wickets for only a further 61 runs, leaving them 134 runs behind Australia. If England could limit Australia to around 250 runs after their second innings then they could still have a chance of winning the Test. However, Warner and Rogers dashed all hope with a 150 run opening partnership. England managed to take three wickets but Australia are firmly in control at 235-3. I would expect nothing less of Clarke than to make his team bat on until they lead by around 450-500 runs, leaving themselves over a day to bat England out and win the Ashes. It is going to take some real grit and determination from England's bowlers who need to take early wickets tomorrow morning whilst the batsman need to bat out at least a day to salvage a draw.



Match Guide: Key Moments

Morning Session:
0242: 190-5, Bell 15 (71), 2 fours, lbw Harris.
0301: 198-6, Stokes 18 (57), 3 fours, caught Haddin, Johnson.
0303: 202-6, Prior 8*, Bresnan 3*.
0319: 207-7, Prior 8 (24), 1 four, caught Haddin, Siddle.
0346: 229-8, Broad 5 (13), 1 four, lbw Johnson.
0357: 233-9, Bresnan 21 (29), 4 fours, caught Haddin, Harris.
0413: 251-9, Swann 19*, Anderson 2*.
0421: 251 all out, Anderson 2 (9), caught Bailey, Siddle. Swann 19*(23). Australia lead by 134 runs. Lunch.

Batsman of the Innings: Cook 72 (153)
Bowler of the Innings: Siddle 3-36

Afternoon Session:

Australia Second Innings:
0556: 50-0, 50 partnership between Rogers 16* and Warner 34*.
0619: 82-0, 50 for Warner.
0641: 104-0, 100 partnership between Rogers 31* and Warner 73*.
0710: 123-0, Rogers 42*, Warner 81*. Tea.

Evening Session:
0743: 143-0, 50 for Rogers.
0752: 151-0, 150 partnership between Rogers 52* and Warner 91*.
0803: 157-1, Rogers 54 (135), 8 fours, caught Carberry, Bresnan.
0817: 171-1, 100 for Warner.
0830: 183-2, Warner 112 (140), 17 fours, 2 sixes, caught Stokes, Swann.
0909: 200-2, Watson 19*, Clarke 7*.
0934: 223-3, Clarke 23 (53), 2 fours, bowled by Stokes.
0959: 235-3, Watson 29*, Smith 5*. Close of Play. Australia lead by 369 runs.

Batsman of the Day: Warner 112 (140)
Bowler of the Day: Harris/Johnson/Siddle all took 2 wickets