Wello's Ashes Blog

At 51 for 2 in reply to Australia's 244 all out, England probably have a slight advantage after a thoroughly gripping opening day in Perth. The eagerly awaited announcement of the England team was greeted with cheers from all around the packed WACA ground, when big Freddie confirmed what all England fans had hoped for - our beloved Monty was indeed playing.

Sajid Mahmood also came in for James Anderson and in conjunction with the selection of Panesar, the England attack had a much more potent look about it. Still, Australia had first use of a good looking WACA pitch and there was considerable concern that they might accumulate a formidable total. That they failed to do that can be attributed to England bowling as a unit for the first real time in this series, maintaining pressure on all the Australian batsmen.

Steve Harmison found the Perth conditions much more to his liking and he posed a threat thoughout the three spells he bowled today. His dismissal of Ricky Ponting, LBW playing around a full ball after an over of lively paced off stump channel deliveries, was greeted with a massive roar from the huge British contingent. After two desperately disappointing matches, it was a delight to see the Durham paceman back to something like his best and he thoroughly deserved his 4 wicket haul today.

As for Monty Panesar, any praise he receives for his magnificent performance today is probably not fulsome enough. Despite the attempts of the Australian batsmen to get on top of him, his Ashes debut was nothing short of sensational. His 5 wickets included 3 batsmen defeated whilst playing defensively - the sign of real class in a slow bowler. He caused problems for all the batsmen and whilst they will be ecstatic with the performance of the Northants spinner, the England management will secretly be thinking what might have been if only they had had the courage to play Monty previously.

A word too for Mike Hussey, who must surely be one of the top 5 batters in world cricket. He combines a superb, compact technique with the mental toughness of Michael Bevan at his one day best. He appears to have no identifiable weaknesses in his game and has the priceless ability of playing exactly the right stroke for each ball bowled to him which, simple as it sounds, is beyond the scope of almost any current player you might think of. He is truly a very special batsman and his test average of 85 is no fluke.

Tomorrow promises to be another absorbing day. England are roughly 190 runs behind Australia meaning that if they can bat till tea, they will be close to level if not ahead of their first innings total. Warne's drop of Collingwood, who nicked a fast leg-cutter from the excellent Stuart Clark at catchable height to 1st slip with 3 overs to go, may prove to be crucial. Andrew Strauss looked in good touch and perhaps tomorrow will be the day he registers his first sizeable score of the series. Wish him luck..

Wello