The Ashes: Perth day two

Many England fans will have been waiting for a day like this, one where yet again debates would rage on how and why the tourists collapse quicker than a deck of cards. But after 12 days of the Ashes now gone it is only the second time, after the first day in Brisbane, that Andrew Strauss’s men can say they’ve been comprehensively outplayed.

It was a rejuvenated Mitchell Johnson (6-38) who tore through the tourist’s middle-order to bring Australia roaring back into this match. It is amazing what one day can do for confidence, it seems only yesterday that the 29-year-old was dropped after the first Test for failing to claim a wicket at an expense of 170 runs.

Yet it is at his home ground where he thrives and it was proved today with some fine swing bowling. The South Africans suffered his wrath in late 2008 where he picked up his best Test figures of 8-61, and it was a case of deja-vu as he put the hosts firmly in command.

It was a day in stark contrast to that of the first as Australia’s bowlers stuck to their task well by providing consistent line and length deliveries that bamboozled an out-of-sorts batting display. With only Strauss (52) and Ian Bell (53) providing any resistance, the common sight of an English collapse finally reared it’s ugly head once again.

But take nothing away from a disciplined bowling performance from Ricky Ponting’s side, it has provided them with a cornerstone for a comeback that would wipe the critic slate clean. Ponting (1) himself however will be battling personal demons after another failure with the bat, totaling a mere 83 runs at an average of 16.6 so far in the series, which will again raise questions over the skipper’s international future.

Despite being on the back foot however, the wickets of Phil Hughes (12), Ponting and Michael Clarke (20) will give England hope going into the third day. The recovery mounted at the Gabba will serve as inspiration, but Perth’s cracking track will be far more hostile for batsmen, and batting their way out of the current hole will be easier said than done.

So after being belted in Adelaide, the Aussies have begun to show the fight that gave them the fearsome reputation that they have enjoyed for many years. And after conceding only their third Test defeat in the last 18 home Tests’ against the Poms, the Baggy Green’s appear to have restored order, for now.