Mitchell Johnson

Being dropped for the Adelaide seems to have done Mitchell Johnson a world of good as the left arm quickie from Queensland ran through the English lineup in a spell that might have revived his fading career. After making an impressive 62 with the bat, Johnson needed to strike with the ball for the Aussies to have any hope of winning this test. It took six overs for Johnson to strike. A full ball outside off took a thick edge of Cook’s bat and flew to Mike Hussey at gully who took a fine catch.

What followed was a burst of some classic fury bowling, bowling that had brought him success and superstardom early in his career! Trott lasted only 8 balls and was beaten by a ball that moved back in. Pietersen’s stay was even more brief and was trapped in a similar fashion. Harris from the other end got rid of Strauss and Johnson trapped Collingwood with another one that moved back in. England had fallen from 75/0 to 98/5 and Johnson’s figures read 10-3-24-4.

Prior and Bell battled for an hour before Siddle hit Prior and the ball deflected onto the stumps. Bell, a completely transformed player, made another 50 as he put on 36 with Swann before Harris got rid of both. Johnson was brought back into the attack and sent Tremlett’s off stump cartwheeling and then removed Anderson a couple of balls later. Johnson had six and England were dismissed for 187, 81 short of Australia.

England however roughed up Hughes with some short ones and got him with a fuller one for the second time this match and Ponting gloved one to Prior as the Aussies were reduced to 34/2. Clarke struck three boundaries before he chopped one back into his stumps. There were no such worries for Watson though as he raced away to another half century and in the company of Mike Hussey played out till stumps as Australia will resume Day 3 with a lead of 200, a day that will set shape to where the Test and the series is headed.

Tags: Ashes Test, Australia, Cricket, England, Mitchell Johnson, Perth, Test Cricket, The Ashes 2010