Revitalised Australia mount surprise comeback in Perth

Australia powered their way back into contention on Day 2 of the 3^rd test in Perth, after England were skittled out for 187.

Fast-bowler Mitchell Johnson ripped through the batsmen with ease, obtaining figures of 6-38, justifying his recall. Johnson’s pacy inswingers on the pitch caused problems as England collapsed from 78-0 to 98-5. Yesterday’s performance with the bat gave Johnson confidence when it came to bowling today.

The overnight watchmen partnership of Alistair Cook (32) and Andrew Strauss (52) started well, making runs and seemed to be forging a good partnership. But then Johnson struck and Australia mounted a superb comeback from the jaws of defeat.

Only Ian Bell (53) put up some fight, carrying England towards their 187, but his partners fell quickly around him in what was a disastrous day for the tourists, looking for a win to retain the Ashes.

One over proved crucial for Australia as Johnson took the wickets of Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen, who was out for a duck. The tail didn’t replicate the Australia innings collapsing very quickly.

The test is beginning to feel like watching a match highlights package, as the bowlers continue to excel on the slick pitch. Ponting’s decision to use 5 fast bowlers turned out to be a great one, despite losing the toss yesterday.

In reply, England made a decent start in restricting Australia’s lead. Ricky Ponting once again failed to utilise the bat, and was out for 1. He’s now scored 22 runs in his last 4 innings, simply not good enough for the Australian captain.

But Shane Watson held strong and made his fifty as the day closed. The tables well and truly turned on England, who now face an uphill battle to keep Australia from making their way back into a series.

Ian Bell was however still optimistic that England could fight back tomorrow.

"If we can get early wickets that will set up a great chase and a great Test match," Bell told BBC Sport.

"The target for us is to win the first hour in the morning, that is as far as we need to look."

The man of the moment, Mitchell Johnson heaped praise on bowling coach Troy Cooley, for turing round his test series.

He told Sky Sports: "One thing that is key for me is getting my momentum going forward to the crease, in Brisbane I was getting off the wicket very quickly and my momentum was heading off towards square leg."

He added: "I was disappointed (to miss out in Adelaide), you don't want to miss a Test for your country but it has worked in my favour. I got to work on a few things and get the confidence back, and coming here I worked really well with the other bowlers who did an exceptional job."

A draw seems unlikely considering the pace of dismissals at the Waca, so it would take a monumental Australian collapse or English hero to chase around at least 300 runs. England will have to strike tomorrow morning with the ball, as Australia led at the close of play by exactly 200.

Female First - Chris Mayer