Australia thrash England at Perth to level series

Australia thrash England at Perth to level series

After first innings heroics of Mitchell Johnson, Australia found a new hero in England’s second innings. Ryan Harris was involved in an exhibition of quality swing bowling as Australia swamped England by 267 runs to win the Perth test and level the series 1-1 with 2 matches to go. The huge victory came at the right time for the Aussies, who were a beleaguered lot coming into the WACA test and even after the first hour of the first session on the first day, their fortunes had only worsened. At 69 for 5, even a die-hard Aussie supporter had stopped short of fancying his team’s chance of a fightback.

But, all of that is history as Ponting’s men staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in the context to dominate every moment from there. It was almost like there was capitulation of Aussie cricket at 69 for 5 and from there on, only good was bound to happen for them at least in this test match.

Resuming the final day at 81 for 5, England were staring at a massive defeat and unfortunately for them, it didn’t take too long for that to happen. Ryan Harris was on the money straightaway as he teased and tormented the English batsmen with swinging deliveries outside the off stump. He knocked off night watchman James Anderson with an absolute beauty that held its line. That began a parade and in a matter of few minutes, England were reduced to 8 for 114 after the dismissals of last recognised pair of Ian Bell and Matt Prior.

Deservedly, Harris completed his five-for in the process. It was then a matter of completing formalities as the bowling pair of Harris and Johnson cleaned up the last two wickets in quick time to wrap up the match in the first hour on the fourth day. English batting never really rose to the occasion on a wicket, which had something in it for the bowlers all the time but with some application as was shown by Mike Hussey, the wicket definitely was not 123 all out types.

Only Jonathan Trott, who top scored with a patient 31 showed some commitment to stay at the crease. For Australia, Ryan Harris ended with outstanding figures of 6 for 47 and Johnson ended with 3 for 44 and missed another ‘10 wickets in a match’ by just 1. Hilfenhaus picked 1 for 16 from his 10 overs and although he took only one wicket, he set up the other end for the Aussies in every spell.

Both teams now head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day test, which could lend serious direction to whether the Ashes will be retained or regained.

Key milestones during the match

England have lost 7 test matches in a row at Perth. In the Ashes, Australia have lost only once to England at the WACA. That was back in 1978. Australia will be relieved with their performance at WACA as defeats to India and South Africa in the last 3 seasons still remains fresh in their memories. In 2008-09, South Africa had chased down a record 414.

Mike Hussey’s century in the second innings was his 13^th century in his career. He has got 4 of those against England.

Ricky Ponting has scored only 83 runs in 6 innings in this series. He averages a poor 16 with the bat and is yet to score a single half century in this series.

When Shane Watson got out for 95 in the first innings, it was the fourth time in his career he got out in the nervous 90s. He has scored two centuries in his test career. If he had converted those 90s to 100s, there would have been six career centuries for Watto

Mitchell Johnson’s 6 for 38 in the first innings was his 6^th five-wicket haul in his career spanning 39 tests so far. He averages 30.10 with the ball

Ryan Harris’ 6 for 47 in the second innings was his maiden five-wicket haul in his career spanning only 3 tests so far. He has an impressive early average of 26.50.

Source: India Syndicate