Ashes 2017/18 - Perth Day 1 - Have England Fixed Their Game?

Admittedly a poor choice of words for the title of this article, given the lead-up to the 3rd Ashes Test was marred by reports of individuals claiming to be able to manipulate parts of the final Ashes Test to be played at the iconic WACA ground in Perth. Early reports suggest that none of the current players or coaching staff are involved with this match-fixing debacle so for the time being that particular story will be treated with the contempt it deserves and when more is known or individuals identified then further comment will be warranted.

Almost to the point of nausea has the topic of England's poor record at the WACA been discussed, against the backdrop of off-field misbehaviour you could be forgiven for thinking that England might as well not show up and this game was a foregone conclusion, whether through apparent match-fixers or Australian bravado. Just a solitary victory at this ground in 1978 against an Australian side ravaged by Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket is England's only bright spot. Joe Root can at least point to his victory at the WACA, but in reality "Heads or Tails" isn't quite what the Fremantle Doctor ordered.

In choosing to bat first and face up to the fresh barrage from fresh bowlers England know the importance of making a big first-innings total. A clear ploy from Hazlewood and Starc to bowl very full to Mark Stoneman proved expensive, as Starc's wayward radar allowed the opener to race away into the 20's at a terrific rate. Alastair Cook (7) almost looked resigned to a low score from the moment he walked to the crease, duly trapped in front of middle by Starc to a decision that only Shane Watson would review.

James Vince joined Stoneman and Australia moved towards the intimidatory short-pitched option for Stoneman, immediately troubling him although they weathered the storm nicely while ticking the score. Vince has taken criticism for being too promiscuous with his cover-driving this series, as well as the rest of the top order for getting starts and not going on to make a big score. How frustrating that Vince made 25 and played a very loose cover drive with 5 minutes left before lunch, feathering through to Tim Paine for the easiest of catches.

Stoneman was riding his luck, another day could have seen England lose wickets in a heap but Australia were strangely sloppy in the field. Mitchell Marsh, brought in to replace Peter Handscomb on his home ground, inexplicably dropped a sitter at first slip for Stoneman's first reprieve. The following delivery dealt Stoneman a nasty blow to the head, and clearly shaken after a little break for treatment could only fend off another throat ball that Nathan Lyon put down at Point. England's luck looked like it could be changing.

Joe Root needed to make a statement and score runs. A tidy 20 from 23 balls means he was guilty of making a start and not going on, although it could be argued that being strangled down the leg-side off the glove is a fortuitous wicket for Pat Cummins. Lady luck smiled on the hosts, when Stoneman gloved a ripper of a delivery from Mitchell Starc, although it was not given. Smith reviewed without delay, Australian body language stating they were confident to have got their man. Replays suggested that Stoneman may get his own luck, as the glove the ball appeared to strike was not touching the bat which under the Laws of Cricket means he was not out. Snicko showed a sound, but not until after the ball had passed the glove in contact with the bat. Yet, somehow the Third Umpire deduced that the decision was to be reversed and Stoneman was on his way for 56, England teetering on 131-4.

From this point on the WACA saw a batting masterclass, Jonny Bairstow finally promoted to 6 and Dawid Malan a picture of grace saw England to the close without further loss. Throughout the entire evening session Malan's cover driving and Bairstow's refusal to engage in Australia's bouncer tactic encapsulated what Test cricket is all about. The WACA outfield is fast and you get value for your shots, but take nothing away from Bairstow's strokeplay. Reaching 50 with a delightful nurdle to the Third Man boundary, the troubles of the tour took a back seat and the Barmy Army applauded a man who's promotion to 6 paid an immediate dividend. Bairstow finished the day unbeaten on 75.

If Bairstow was gritty, Malan was sublime. Cover driving the likes of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood is no easy task. Brisbane and Adelaide reflected that, Perth provided a true batting surface with bounce that can be trusted and no gremlins in the pitch. Mind you, a brand new Kookaburra will move in the air so when Mitchell Starc produced a beautiful outswinger first delivery with the new ball to Malan (at this stage 92 not out) that he could only edge to Second/Third Slip, it was imperative that Cameron Bancroft held onto the chance. He failed, and with it Australia's chance to break into England's brittle lower order had gone.

Malan completed his century by pulling Hazlewood to the Deep Square Leg boundary with authority. England's first century of the Ashes series, at a crucial time. How the tourists will hope that Jonny Bairstow will become the second during the first session on Day 2. Malan finished on 110 not out, the partnership 174 and counting. England are finally in a strong position to put pressure on Australia, 305-4 is a great base but will mean nothing if they are all out for less than 400. They need to grind the Australian bowlers into the ground, aim for over 500 and come out firing with the ball late on Day 2.

You can't help but feel that the humour had all but left the England camp. What tomorrow needs is Jonny Bairstow to bring up his hundred and celebrate by headbutting his batting partner in celebration, and for Jimmy Anderson to pick up a wicket and celebrate by having the twelfth man pour a drink over him. Whichever way you look at it, Friday in Perth promises a Battle Royale.