England on course for another crushing Ashes defeat

ENGLAND remained on course for another convincing Ashes defeat after they were outclassed on a lively Perth surface - and then suffered yet another possible addition to their ever-lengthening casualty list.

Knowing they needed a vastly-improved performance in the third Test if they were not to lose both the series and the Ashes, the tourists instead reserved their worst day’s cricket of the tour for the crucial opening day.

Dismissed for a lowly 185 after winning the toss again and deciding to bat, they were then smashed all around the WACA with Ricky Ponting guiding Australia to within 59 of parity on 126 for two with a whirlwind 43.