‘On fire’ Johnson dramatically swings Perth Test back in Australia’s favour

PERTH - Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson’s six-wicket haul did the principal damage on Friday as England were bowled out for 187 on day two of the third Ashes Test being played at Perth’s WACA Ground.

Johnson’s six for 38 undermined England’s ambitions of retaining the Ashes, as the visitors conceded a first-innings deficit of 81 runs.

The left-armer started the proceedings for the home side when he broke the opening stand by dismissing Alastair Cook for 32.

It was Cook’s first score of under-50 in the series so far.

Johnson then accounted for Jonathan Trott (four), Kevin Pietersen (zero) and Paul Collingwood (five), who failed in front of supreme exhibition of late swing, the Guardian reports.

The fast bowler’s dream spell, four wickets for seven runs, turned the game on its head.

Only Andrew Strauss (52) and Ian Bell (53) offered any resistance as the tourists collapsed just before tea.

Australia then sought to consolidate their advantage, but lost opening batsman Phil Hughes (12), captain Ricky Ponting (one) and Michael Clarke (20) cheaply.

The home side was 119 for three in the second innings at stumps, a lead of 200 runs with seven wickets remaining.

Shane Watson (61 not out) and Mike Hussey (24 not out) will resume their 55-run stand on Saturday aiming to lead the home side to a series-levelling win.

Brief Scorecard:

Australia:- Ist innings: 268 (Johnson 62, Hussey 61, Haddin 53, Anderson 3-63)

England:- Ist innings: 187 (Bell 53, Strauss 52, Johnson 6-38)

Australia:- Second innings: 119-3 (Watson 61 not out, Hussey 24 not out) (ANI)