England make great start in Perth against Australia

England took the upperhand on the first day of the test in Perth, bowling Australia out for 268.

England won the toss and captain, Andrew Strauss chose to put Australia into bat, a decision that proved decisive as Ponting’s plan to play 5 fast bowlers backfired for not winning the toss.

Opening batsmen, Phil Hughes failed to make an impact following the Aussies radical selection shake-up, as he was clean bowled for 2 by Tremlett in the second over.

He was soon followed by captain Ricky Ponting, after a superb catch by Paul Collingwood. Things didn’t get much better for the hosts after Clarke was caught behind by wicketkeeper Matt Prior, from the bowling of Tremlett.

Tremlett, playing in his first test since 2007, proved the selectors were right to choose him as Stuart Broad’s replacement, as he obtained figures of 3-63. Jimmy Anderson shows no signs of fatigue either (3-61) as the wickets were shared well by the bowlers. Even Graeme Swann got two wickets on a pitch that supposedly favoured pace.

Australia were marooned on 69-5, before once again Michael Hussey salvaged a dreadful start. Hussey, along with Brad Haddin made a good sixth wicket stand before Swann made the breakthrough.

England’s afternoon session wasn’t as rewarding as Australia’s mounted a slight comeback. Returning Mitchell Johnson also provided some resistance at No.8, Australia’s top scorer with 68.

The scorecard almost looked back-to-front as the lower order put in decent shifts (Siddle 35 not out and Hilfenhaus 13) as the pitch conditions began to improve the batting, which coincided well for England as they began their 2^nd innings.

Cook and Strauss made a good start for England in reply, adding 29 runs before the end of play. Cook hit a six off Harris’s erratic bowling to compound the misery for Australia.

The day was definitely England’s, although Mitchell Johnson showed that he definitely has the potential to get Australia back into the test.

Australia have failed to score 300 in their first innings six times this year and all six have been when batting first.showing how vital the toss turned out to be.

Female First - Chris Mayer