Related Links: Ashes 2013/14 in Australia – Schedule | Scorecard of Third Ashes Test at Perth
Steven Smith
England’s attempt to bounce back in the Ashes Series after facing defeats in the first two Tests was spoiled by Steven Smith’s magnificent century on the opening day at the WACA. Australia riding on Steven Smith’s 2nd Test century finished at a healthy looking total of 326 for 6.
Batting first after winning the toss, Australia lost the wicket of Chris Rogers through a run out from James Anderson in just the 2nd over of this Third Ashes Test at Perth. The hosts settled down after this wasted run out with Shane Watson doing quite well with David Warner. One shot too many saw Shane Watson get caught in the slips by Graeme Swann, pushing well away from his body to a bouncy ball from Stuart Broad. Watson scored 18 while Australia lost their second wicket at 52 for 2 in the 11th over.
Just prior to lunch, Graeme Swann struck for England taking the wicket of the big fish Michael Clarke. The Aussie Captain danced down the track for a cover drive but Swann got his off break to dip and force Clarke to drag him to Cook at short mid wicket with a thick inside edge. Michael Clarke, who is playing his 100th Test got out scoring 24.
After lunch, Swann struck with the vital wicket of the dangerman David Warner, who was threatening to run away with the game with his big shots. Warner was dismissed for 60 (from 77 balls with 8 fours and a six), after he top edged his cut shot to point courtesy of the extra bounce that Swann produced in an otherwise rank short and wide ball.
In no time, England was all over the Aussies as Stuart Broad bounced out George Bailey for 7. The hosts slipped to a precarious 143 for 5 in the 35th over but somehow England let them off the hook. The English bowlers and fielders struggled to put the pressure on what was an energy sapping hot summer afternoon. Steven Smith along with Brad Haddin made them pay with a critical 124-run stand.
Brad Haddin having scored 55 (from 100 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes) threw his wicket away, playing a rash shot off the skiddy Ben Stokes. Australia survived the second new ball comfortably with Mitchell Johnson looking aggressive on 39* from 60 balls with 6 fours. Steven Smith saw through the day at his end, remaining unbeaten on 103 from 191 balls with 13 fours and 2 sixes.
The Aussies went into this match with the same side. England on the other hand made one change with Tim Bresnan coming in for Monty Panesar.
