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Live: Australia v England Live: Australia v England
(10 minutes later)
England have dismissed Ricky Ponting for just two runs as Australia reached 54-2 in the third Test. Monty Panesar claimed his first Ashes wicket as England pegged back Australia with a triple strike after the hosts had got off to a flying start.
Matthew Hoggard got the initial breakthrough in the 11th over, Matthew Hayden nicking him to wicket-keeper Geraint Jones on 24. At lunch Australia had reached 69-3 after being 47-0 in the third Test.
Then Steve Harmison struck three overs later to get rid of Ponting, lbw. Matthew Hoggard got England's breakthrough in the 11th over, Matthew Hayden nicking behind for 24.
Spinner Monty Panesar and fast bowler Sajid Mahmood have been preferred to Ashley Giles and James Anderson in two changes by England. Then Steve Harmison dismissed captain Ricky Ponting for two and Panesar struck in the final over before lunch to bowl Justin Langer for 37.
LATEST ACTION (all times local to Perth - GMT+9)LATEST ACTION (all times local to Perth - GMT+9)
By Jonathan StevensonBy Jonathan Stevenson
AUSTRALIA FIRST INNINGSAUSTRALIA FIRST INNINGS
DOWNLOAD A CRICKET MASK AND LOOK LIKE MONTY PANESAR
"Where have they been keeping this guy Monty? Seriously, where the hell have they been keeping him?"Geoff Lawson on TMS
LUNCH
1328: WICKET Australia 69-2 He's done it! He's done it! Long live King Monty Panesar. The script, it seems, had already been written. First ball of Monty's second over, Justin Langer misses a pretty straight one and it takes out his middle stump. The bearded genius wheels away in jubilation - they've never seen anything like it before. He doesn't get close to a high five. Who cares, man?
1325: Australia 69-2 Sajid Mahmood is on too, but an inauspicious start as he is flicked off the pads by Justin Langer. Hussey's only scored two from 36 balls so far - c'mon son, either pipe up or get out. It's half four in the morning and I don't need you trying to put me to sleep.1325: Australia 69-2 Sajid Mahmood is on too, but an inauspicious start as he is flicked off the pads by Justin Langer. Hussey's only scored two from 36 balls so far - c'mon son, either pipe up or get out. It's half four in the morning and I don't need you trying to put me to sleep.
1322: Australia 66-2 Monty's first Ashes over is a good one. A bit flatter and quicker than you would expect from him usually, but put that down to nerves. It's a maiden, so well bowled young man.1322: Australia 66-2 Monty's first Ashes over is a good one. A bit flatter and quicker than you would expect from him usually, but put that down to nerves. It's a maiden, so well bowled young man.
It's Monty time. To a standing ovation, English cricket's very latest saviour takes the ball and prepares to enter the Ashes fray.It's Monty time. To a standing ovation, English cricket's very latest saviour takes the ball and prepares to enter the Ashes fray.
How to listen to TMS I'm currently sat at work doing a night shift, loading myself with caffeine in the hope I will refresh the page and see the words "Panesar takes his hat-trick" written there in front of me.Andy Rollerson in the TMS inboxHow to listen to TMS I'm currently sat at work doing a night shift, loading myself with caffeine in the hope I will refresh the page and see the words "Panesar takes his hat-trick" written there in front of me.Andy Rollerson in the TMS inbox
1315: Australia 66-2 Flintoff drops a touch short and Langer pulls him away for four. It's been a funny old morning for Langer. I can't work out whether he looks in or out of touch. It matters not. Monty'll be on soon.1315: Australia 66-2 Flintoff drops a touch short and Langer pulls him away for four. It's been a funny old morning for Langer. I can't work out whether he looks in or out of touch. It matters not. Monty'll be on soon.
Monty update: Panesar seen warming up in the fieldMonty update: Panesar seen warming up in the field
It's my 21st birthday today. 61-2, Harmison bowling a peach to remove the best batsman in the world and it's not even lunch. Cracking birthday present!Your forgot to tell us your name, via textIt's my 21st birthday today. 61-2, Harmison bowling a peach to remove the best batsman in the world and it's not even lunch. Cracking birthday present!Your forgot to tell us your name, via text
1310: Australia 61-2 Agony for Harmison as Flintoff puts down a hugely difficult one-handed chance at second slip off luck's Justin Langer. It would have been a stunning catch, diving to his right and forwards, but boy would that have made England's morning complete.1310: Australia 61-2 Agony for Harmison as Flintoff puts down a hugely difficult one-handed chance at second slip off luck's Justin Langer. It would have been a stunning catch, diving to his right and forwards, but boy would that have made England's morning complete.
"I've just spent an hour standing among the members and it was grim for a while. The Aussies aren't slow to offer advice to the opposition when things are going well for their team. But the wickets changed the mood completely and they were sitting silently with lunch approaching."Paresh Soni, BBC Sport at the Waca"I've just spent an hour standing among the members and it was grim for a while. The Aussies aren't slow to offer advice to the opposition when things are going well for their team. But the wickets changed the mood completely and they were sitting silently with lunch approaching."Paresh Soni, BBC Sport at the Waca
1307: Australia 60-2 Flintoff's going around the wicket to Hussey and the man they call Mr Cricket does well not to be tempted into a little fiddle outside off stump.1307: Australia 60-2 Flintoff's going around the wicket to Hussey and the man they call Mr Cricket does well not to be tempted into a little fiddle outside off stump.
Email the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.ukEmail the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.uk
Send us your texts on 84040 (from the UK only) 1302: Australia 60-2 Harms is back, no question. Bowls a superb line just outside off stump to Mike Hussey and then seduces Langer into a woeful pull that he doesn't get anywhere near. Bit of a brain melt from the formely watchful opener.Send us your texts on 84040 (from the UK only) 1302: Australia 60-2 Harms is back, no question. Bowls a superb line just outside off stump to Mike Hussey and then seduces Langer into a woeful pull that he doesn't get anywhere near. Bit of a brain melt from the formely watchful opener.
1255: Australia 59-2 Freddie smells blood. He's brought himself back on for Hoggard, who bowled a lovely opening spell. The skipper beats Langer's bat first up, something for him to think about. And we've still got Monty and Saj to come! 3-2, anyone?1255: Australia 59-2 Freddie smells blood. He's brought himself back on for Hoggard, who bowled a lovely opening spell. The skipper beats Langer's bat first up, something for him to think about. And we've still got Monty and Saj to come! 3-2, anyone?
"You can just feel that frisson of excitement when the ball goes anywhere near Monty in the field. This really is an intriguing morning in every sense. Jonathan Agnew on TMS"You can just feel that frisson of excitement when the ball goes anywhere near Monty in the field. This really is an intriguing morning in every sense. Jonathan Agnew on TMS
1247: Australia 56-2 First real test in the field for Marvellous Monty, he can only partially stop a Langer drive at mid-off and the Aussies take two.1247: Australia 56-2 First real test in the field for Marvellous Monty, he can only partially stop a Langer drive at mid-off and the Aussies take two.
1240: WICKET Australia 54-2 (Ponting 2) This is the greatest moment of my life. Steve Harmison gets one on the money and Ricky Ponting, the world's best batsman, is out LBW. Oh my, I think I'm going to faint. Harmison is mobbed by his team-mates, who are in dreamland. Thank you for raising your left hand, umpire Aleem Dar, thank you.1240: WICKET Australia 54-2 (Ponting 2) This is the greatest moment of my life. Steve Harmison gets one on the money and Ricky Ponting, the world's best batsman, is out LBW. Oh my, I think I'm going to faint. Harmison is mobbed by his team-mates, who are in dreamland. Thank you for raising your left hand, umpire Aleem Dar, thank you.
How to listen to TMS I'm a senior undergrad at the University of Waterloo in Toronto. I should be working on my grad school essay. But we don't get the Ashes here so I have to make do by refreshing the BBC website every thirty seconds. The one positive I suppose is that I'm not distracted by my one other guilty pleasure on the internet... Youtube!Rajat Suri in the TMS inboxHow to listen to TMS I'm a senior undergrad at the University of Waterloo in Toronto. I should be working on my grad school essay. But we don't get the Ashes here so I have to make do by refreshing the BBC website every thirty seconds. The one positive I suppose is that I'm not distracted by my one other guilty pleasure on the internet... Youtube!Rajat Suri in the TMS inbox
DRINKSDRINKS
1233: Australia 54-1 Langer has calmed down a bit now his partner-in-crime's got himself out. He neatly clips Hoggard off his pads for four but there's no slashing outside off stump. Unfortunately.1233: Australia 54-1 Langer has calmed down a bit now his partner-in-crime's got himself out. He neatly clips Hoggard off his pads for four but there's no slashing outside off stump. Unfortunately.
1228: Australia 48-1 Steve Harmison bowls a maiden over to Ricky Ponting. I just thought that was worth mentioning to be fair.1228: Australia 48-1 Steve Harmison bowls a maiden over to Ricky Ponting. I just thought that was worth mentioning to be fair.
1223: WICKET: Australia 48-1 (Hayden 24)Matthew Hayden runs out of luck and finally gets an edge on a standard Matthew Hoggard delivery. Brilliant stuff from the Yorkshireman. I'd be even more pleased if the incoming Ricky Ponting wasn't averaging 104.08 in 2006.1223: WICKET: Australia 48-1 (Hayden 24)Matthew Hayden runs out of luck and finally gets an edge on a standard Matthew Hoggard delivery. Brilliant stuff from the Yorkshireman. I'd be even more pleased if the incoming Ricky Ponting wasn't averaging 104.08 in 2006.
1217: Australia 47-0 Flintoff's spell ends and his best mate Harmison is on. I can hardly bare to watch his first ball, but it's not too bad. A bit wayward, but it's not Brisbane or anything.1217: Australia 47-0 Flintoff's spell ends and his best mate Harmison is on. I can hardly bare to watch his first ball, but it's not too bad. A bit wayward, but it's not Brisbane or anything.
"If I didn't know different, I'd think both these left-handers were trying to get out. All they're trying to do is bully the bowlers out of the attack, it's unnecessary. All they need to do is bat."Geoff Boycott on TMS"If I didn't know different, I'd think both these left-handers were trying to get out. All they're trying to do is bully the bowlers out of the attack, it's unnecessary. All they need to do is bat."Geoff Boycott on TMS
1211: Australia 42-0 Half-hearted appeals from Geraint Jones as Langer plays and misses at Hoggard from the last two balls.1211: Australia 42-0 Half-hearted appeals from Geraint Jones as Langer plays and misses at Hoggard from the last two balls.
1207: Australia 39-0 Flintoff takes umbrage at Langer pulling him for four and starts going around the wicket already. If you're gonna flash, flash hard, so JL snicks one over third slip for four.1207: Australia 39-0 Flintoff takes umbrage at Langer pulling him for four and starts going around the wicket already. If you're gonna flash, flash hard, so JL snicks one over third slip for four.
Email the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.ukEmail the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.uk
"Are Australia only allowed to bat for 50 overs? Why else would Hayden be playing that shot?"Geoff Lawson on TMS"Are Australia only allowed to bat for 50 overs? Why else would Hayden be playing that shot?"Geoff Lawson on TMS
1201: They did, as well. Hayden swings wildly at a wide one from Hoggard and gets nowhere near it. Too confident by far.1201: They did, as well. Hayden swings wildly at a wide one from Hoggard and gets nowhere near it. Too confident by far.
1157: Hurray! First maiden, courtesy of the big man Flintoff. Next up, one of them beats the bat... 27-01157: Hurray! First maiden, courtesy of the big man Flintoff. Next up, one of them beats the bat... 27-0
"There have been a stack load of runs here in domestic cricket so unless we get some breakthroughs soon prepare for a long day."There have been a stack load of runs here in domestic cricket so unless we get some breakthroughs soon prepare for a long day.
Huge numbers of English people here, I was struggling to see any Aussies when I walked in. The Barmy Army will be going on free shuttle buses to the bars tonight - the only fun they look like having here. Great atmosphere though."Paresh Soni, BBC Sport at the WacaHuge numbers of English people here, I was struggling to see any Aussies when I walked in. The Barmy Army will be going on free shuttle buses to the bars tonight - the only fun they look like having here. Great atmosphere though."Paresh Soni, BBC Sport at the Waca
1154: Bully-boy isn't hanging around, pulling a short one for four. That's the problem with these Aussies - they take advantage of poor bowling straight away instead of having a good look. Not very Test cricket, if you ask me. 27-01154: Bully-boy isn't hanging around, pulling a short one for four. That's the problem with these Aussies - they take advantage of poor bowling straight away instead of having a good look. Not very Test cricket, if you ask me. 27-0
How to listen to TMS Just got in from a 14 hour bar shift, all set for bed, find out Monty's playing, and have subsequently made a brew. Dug in for a long one.Theo from Manchester in the TMS inboxHow to listen to TMS Just got in from a 14 hour bar shift, all set for bed, find out Monty's playing, and have subsequently made a brew. Dug in for a long one.Theo from Manchester in the TMS inbox
1150: Hayden hits a stunning straight drive for four off Flintoff. Harsh on the England captain, from a pretty accurate over. 22-01150: Hayden hits a stunning straight drive for four off Flintoff. Harsh on the England captain, from a pretty accurate over. 22-0
1145: Hayden nicks one to the ropes, the lucky so-and-so. He likes this pitch you know - in October 2003, he scored 380 to - briefly - hold the highest score in Test history. Langer creams the last ball through the covers for four. 18-01145: Hayden nicks one to the ropes, the lucky so-and-so. He likes this pitch you know - in October 2003, he scored 380 to - briefly - hold the highest score in Test history. Langer creams the last ball through the covers for four. 18-0
"Flintoff is visibly charging in - there's been too much ambling in so far this series. A bit of pace, but not too much bounce from the Waca pitch."Geoff Lawson on TMS"Flintoff is visibly charging in - there's been too much ambling in so far this series. A bit of pace, but not too much bounce from the Waca pitch."Geoff Lawson on TMS
1141: Bit early in the day for Langer to be throwing the kitchen sink at Flintoff, but one ball crashes over gully to the fence. 9-01141: Bit early in the day for Langer to be throwing the kitchen sink at Flintoff, but one ball crashes over gully to the fence. 9-0
1135: Good early signs for Hoggard. That cherry is swinging, the fourth ball darting in towards Justin Langer's pads so much he nearly fell over in his crease. Next up Hayden clips a ball that swings too far into the leg side for three. 4-01135: Good early signs for Hoggard. That cherry is swinging, the fourth ball darting in towards Justin Langer's pads so much he nearly fell over in his crease. Next up Hayden clips a ball that swings too far into the leg side for three. 4-0
1130: Play starts in the third Test match at the Waca. The new ball is in the safe hands of Matthew Hoggard, with Andrew Flintoff marking out his run-up at the other end. Gonna have to wait for some Grievous Bodily Harmison.1130: Play starts in the third Test match at the Waca. The new ball is in the safe hands of Matthew Hoggard, with Andrew Flintoff marking out his run-up at the other end. Gonna have to wait for some Grievous Bodily Harmison.
Email the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.ukEmail the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.uk
How to listen to TMS I'm in Perth, it's a glorious day, not a cloud in the sky. Only problem is, I can't get my hands on a ticket for the cricket. Anyone got a spare? Please?Ian in the TMS inboxHow to listen to TMS I'm in Perth, it's a glorious day, not a cloud in the sky. Only problem is, I can't get my hands on a ticket for the cricket. Anyone got a spare? Please?Ian in the TMS inbox
1118: The players are out for the anthems. Not sure they're too keen on this part of proceedings, but hey, if it works for football.1118: The players are out for the anthems. Not sure they're too keen on this part of proceedings, but hey, if it works for football.
You guys must be desperate for a scapegoat if the BBC interactive commentator is the reason. If you lose in Perth will they start replacing members of the Barmy Army?Scott Kidson, Sydney, in the TMS inboxYou guys must be desperate for a scapegoat if the BBC interactive commentator is the reason. If you lose in Perth will they start replacing members of the Barmy Army?Scott Kidson, Sydney, in the TMS inbox
1104: "There's a bit of green there so there's something to play with," says Flintoff. I desperately want to believe him, I really do. Is the 2004 Steve Harmison out there?1104: "There's a bit of green there so there's something to play with," says Flintoff. I desperately want to believe him, I really do. Is the 2004 Steve Harmison out there?
1100: I'll see if I can get Dirsy back. Andrew Flintoff just called incorrectly and it looks as thought it's going to be a long, long night. Ricky Ponting wants to bat. Of course he does, he's averaging 149 for heaven's sakes.1100: I'll see if I can get Dirsy back. Andrew Flintoff just called incorrectly and it looks as thought it's going to be a long, long night. Ricky Ponting wants to bat. Of course he does, he's averaging 149 for heaven's sakes.
How to listen to TMS Happy with Saj's inclusion, and overjoyed with Monty's.Would have liked to see Read in for Jones but as once Meatloaf said, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.Mark Willingham in the TMS inboxHow to listen to TMS Happy with Saj's inclusion, and overjoyed with Monty's.Would have liked to see Read in for Jones but as once Meatloaf said, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.Mark Willingham in the TMS inbox
Send us your texts on 84040 (from the UK only) So there's a change in the BBC Sport Interactive office for this Test match too, with the incomparable Ben Dirs replaced by, er, me. Dirsy takes a well-earned breather after his exertions from the first two traumatic matches. I know, his commentary was imaginative, amusing and informative, but his Ashes record of Played 2, Lost 2 left room for improvement. Fingers crossed, that's where I come in.Send us your texts on 84040 (from the UK only) So there's a change in the BBC Sport Interactive office for this Test match too, with the incomparable Ben Dirs replaced by, er, me. Dirsy takes a well-earned breather after his exertions from the first two traumatic matches. I know, his commentary was imaginative, amusing and informative, but his Ashes record of Played 2, Lost 2 left room for improvement. Fingers crossed, that's where I come in.
1025: England name their side and they make two changes, with Sajid Mahmood replacing James Anderson and, finally and let's hope to rescue the nation, Mudhsuden Singh Panesar takes Ashley Giles' spot. Monty my boy, we're behind you like you could not believe.1025: England name their side and they make two changes, with Sajid Mahmood replacing James Anderson and, finally and let's hope to rescue the nation, Mudhsuden Singh Panesar takes Ashley Giles' spot. Monty my boy, we're behind you like you could not believe.
England XI: Strauss, Cook, Bell, Collingwood, Pietersen, Flintoff (capt), Jones, Mahmood, Hoggard, Harmison, Panesar.England XI: Strauss, Cook, Bell, Collingwood, Pietersen, Flintoff (capt), Jones, Mahmood, Hoggard, Harmison, Panesar.
They looked nervous in the first two Tests. Why, when they are the holders of the Ashes? I still think they can win two and come back heroes, but they have got to be right on the money from the first ball this morning.My South African taxi driverThey looked nervous in the first two Tests. Why, when they are the holders of the Ashes? I still think they can win two and come back heroes, but they have got to be right on the money from the first ball this morning.My South African taxi driver
Email the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.ukEmail the BBC Sport website and the TMS team on TMS@bbc.co.uk