Joe Drabble picks out the highs and lows from a tense third day in the third Ashes Test at the WACA.
Skysports.com's Joe Drabble picks out the highs and lows from a tense third day in the third Ashes Test at the WACA
Australia took another huge stride towards levelling the series on day three as Mike Hussey's rich vein of form continued on his home ground.
'Mr Cricket' struck an invaluable 116 to boost Australia up to 309 all out, a total which leaves England chasing a record 391 to win and retain the Ashes.
However, the tourists capitulated before the close, losing their top five batsmen to leave themselves a mountain to climb.
They will resume tomorrow on 81-5 with Ian Bell and nightwatchman James Anderson the seeming lambs to the slaughter, as Australia look to wrap up a speedy series-levelling win.
Here is skysports.com's best of the Test from day three at the WACA...
Player - Michael Hussey
A truly fantastic innings on his home patch. The Western Australian followed up his first-innings half-century with a valuable 116 on day three. He has now scored 517 runs in the series and is almost single-handily holding the Australia top order together. Solid in defence and powerful in attack, Hussey is at the very top of his game at the moment and just does not look like ever getting out. He has now made six consecutive Ashes scores of 50 or more - a record feat.
Delivery - Chris Tremlett
It was another day to remember for Tremlett, who has finished with match figures of 8-150 on his return to the Test arena. He claimed the wickets of Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin and Hussey today to claim his maiden Test five-wicket haul. The delivery to dismiss Smith was top drawer, a nasty short ball aimed at his ribs flicking the glove on its way through to Matt Prior behind the stumps.
Shot - Brad Haddin
Haddin is one of the cleanest ball-strikers in world cricket and he displayed his brute power with an almighty six off Graeme Swann to get off the mark. England had just brought Tim Bresnan in from the midwicket boundary, and the Aussie glovesman duly dispatched Swann in that region for a huge six. He only added one further run, but his shot stands out above all others played today.
Catch - Steven Smith
All-rounder Smith pulled off an absolute stunner late in the day to send Paul Collingwood trudging off back to the pavilion. Smith was only fielding at second slip after an injury had forced Ricky Ponting off the field, however he showed he's more than capable in that position with a terrific diving take low to his left after Ryan Harris had induced a healthy edge.
Drop - Graeme Swann
It was a huge moment in the game when Swann let slip a gilt-edged opportunity in the covers. With Australia eight wickets down and England in the ascendancy before tea, Swann failed to hold on to a fairly simple catch after Peter Siddle had driven firmly towards him. Thankfully the drop didn't prove too costly, but if England lose by just a few runs, Swann will have some apologising to do!
Chant - Barmy Army
There was another carnival atmosphere at the WACA today as the Barmy Army and The Fanatics traded insults throughout the day. The Aussie fans seem to have found their tongues over the last few days after going missing for the last couple of weeks. A chorus of : "you only sing when you're winning" from English to Australians was a pretty fair summary of how things have been out here.
Villain - Sightscreen
It was another frustrating day of stops and starts at the WACA, not least in the morning when a near 10-minute delay was caused due to a problem with the sightscreen at the Pavilion End. Without wanting to sound like a nag, surely a Test match venue should iron out these problems well before a match of this importance?
Talking Point - Birthday treat
Australia captain Ricky Ponting turns 36 tomorrow and he looks set to be in for one of the best birthdays of all time. Australia are now heavy favourites to square the series, however England will not have given up hope of pulling off the incredible when play resumes. South Africa famously chased down 414 at this same venue two years ago, will history repeat itself here? I doubt it.
