Panesar shines as Aussies flounder

Third Test, Perth (Day 1 - Stumps)
Australia 244 v England 51-2

Chris O'Keefe

Some critics will say Monty Panesar has come two tests too late to the Ashes battle. Panesar, now that he is finally in the thick of it, certainly didn't waste time in making incisions into the Australian line-up, just seven balls in fact. Eventually, both Panesar and England finally done what before seemed impossible, bowling Australia out, cheaply!

It was an important step taken today at the WACA. Steve Harmison lead the pace attack well, the spinner taking wickets and Australia struggling to score substantial runs for long periods of time, not something to associate with Adelaide, nor Brisbane.

Australia won the toss and chose to bat, looking to cement their iron grip on the series by attacking England new ball attack. Hayden paid the price for his adventure with his wicket, edging Matthew Hoggard to slip (24).

Then, an important breakthrough for England and a mental fillip for the under-fire Harmison, trapping Ricky Ponting in front for just 2. Although Australia weren't in dire straits at this moment, it was a foot in the door for Flintoff and his men that this time, they made the most of.

Panesar joined in before lunch to dismiss Justin Langer for 37. The Aussie opener misjudged the line to see his bails knocked off. The ball was rolling now and Australia needed a partnership. They got one after lunch, through Michael Clarke (37) and Mike Hussey (74 not out) putting 61 together before Clarke mistimed a shot straight back to Harmison for his second wicket.

Andrew Symonds, replacing the now retired Damien Martyn, hit a quick-fire 26, but also fell victim to England's man of the moment as he edged Panesar behind to Geraint Jones. Panesar also had Adam Gilchrist caught and Australia were now in trouble at 184-6.

The tail end tried to, in partnership with Hussey, rescue the hosts total but Harmison and Panesar continued their destruction and eventually wrapped up the innings on 244. England would face a tricky period but it was one that England could go into with their tails up.

Indeed the tourists reached 36 off just six overs before Australia struck back through Glenn McGrath. He got Cook to fish outside his off stump - similar to his Adelaide dismissal - before edging to Justin Langer.

Ian Bell was immediately dismissed by an absolute jaffer from Brett Lee, bounce and line did for the number three. Now England were being asked the questions. Was it normal service resumed? Not quite, but close!

Paul Collingwood was tormented by Stuart Clark as he found the edge, only to be dropped by Shane Warne. It was a break England needed and arguably deserved on the face of the days play.

Whilst Warne's drop catch wasn't quite as important as "dropping the Ashes" at The Oval, last year, England should still look to punish a rare mistake and try to manufacture a lead. The pitch, despite the excellent bowling will allow for runs and a lead of over a hundred is a distinct opportunity, if England played with the guile and discipline of the first two days of Adelaide. Of course if it's the final day batting that shows, then the chance is missed.