THE WACA CHRONICLES: Part IV

Alex Tudor felled, Adam Gilchrist the destroyer, Ben Stokes cannot save England

There has been no 21^st century respite for England at Perth, with Brett Lee, Adam Gilchrist and Steve Smith all dishing out the pain.

The Australians were clinical again in the third Test in Perth in 2002/03, winning by an innings and 48 runs. Four years earlier the Ashes had been all over before Christmas for the first time; this time, as Vic Marks put it so succinctly, it was all over before the Advent calendars were opened.

The Perth wicket had become lightning quick, and Steve Waugh predicted: “Blood will be spilled on the world’s quickest pitch and courage will win the day.”

England were all out for 185, and Australia showed the tourists had wasted their chance on a true track by piling up 456. Craig White stuck to the task, taking 5 for 127, but Steve Harmison suffered from the yips and repeatedly lost his run-up on the second morning. 

England were then bundled out for 223, the knockout blow being delivered by Brett Lee to Alex Tudor. The ball shot between helmet and grille and smacked him just above his left eye. He feared he would lose his sight. Alec Stewart held his hand and assured him he would be all right.

He was taken off on a stretcher and the innings soon ended, with Stewart remaining undefeated on 61. Nasser Hussain was annoyed that Stewart had exposed Harmison and the tail, however, and Marcus Trescothick admitted: “I came as close to being physically frightened on a cricket pitch as I have ever been in my life.”

Mark Butcher and Michael Vaughan were involved in two run-outs together, one in each innings, adding to the tourists’ embarrassment.

Steve Waugh admitted that some of the victories on that tour felt “a bit hollow”.

Four years later in 2006/07 it was even worse for England.

Stand-in skipper Andrew Flintoff tried to sound positive as the third Test in Perth approached, with his side 2-0 down after their meltdown at Adelaide. “This match is huge,” he said. “We’re very much aware we would be creating history if we did come back into the series.” 

Monty Panesar was finally given his chance after Ashley Giles had to return to England because of his wife’s illness.

Duncan Fletcher’s critics could not have been more thrilled when Panesar struck with his seventh ball, bowling Justin Langer. He went on to take 5 for 92 as Australia, who won the toss, managed only 244. It was only the fourth time a spinner had taken a five-wicket haul in a Perth Test. Harmison also shone, taking 4 for 48.

The tourists failed to take the chance to hit back in the series, however, compiling just 215. Panesar and Harmison highlighted England’s profligacy, as they added 40 for the last wicket. Australia did not fail a second time, making 527 for 5. Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist, who hit an unbeaten 102 from only 59 balls, all scored centuries to bury English hopes. Gilchrist’s mauling of Panesar made uncomfortable viewing.

Set 557 to win, England did at least manage 350 second time around, with Alastair Cook making a calm 116 and Ian Bell a fluent 87.

The 2010/11 tour was a triumph for England, a draw at Brisbane was followed by victory in Adelaide to set up Ashes glory.

England still suffered their customary defeat at Perth, however, seeing the hosts level at 1-1 (only to then lose the last two Tests).

Mitchell Johnson loved Perth, and he had a fantastic match. He top-scored with 62 in Australia’s 268. He then took a stunning 6 for 38 to earn his team an 81-run lead on first innings.

Hussey’s 116 at his home ground made Australia’s position impregnable, and Ryan Harris was the second-innings wrecker, taking 6 for 47.

England are missing Ben Stokes this winter, and will perhaps feel his absence even more at Perth. The allrounder scored his maiden Test century at the Waca three years ago but could not prevent Australia going 3-0 up to regain the Ashes after England had held the urn for about 1,500 days.

Steve Smith scored his maiden Test century on home soil in the first innings, and David Warner and Shane Watson reached three figures in the second.

If history is anything to go by, you have to fear the worst this time, alas…

MORE FROM THE CRICKETER

• The WACA Chronicles Part I
• The WACA Chronicles Part II
• The WACA Chronicles Part III