England dismiss WA on first day

Hopes for a fast WACA pitch for the third Ashes Test received a fillip today, when the pitch used for the two day game between England and Western Australia, displayed pace and movement.

Winning the toss and batting first WA were off to a shaky start losing David Bandy caught behind from the bowling of James Anderson for just five,

This brought Shaun Marsh to the wicket to join Chris Rogers in a stand of 102 for the second wicket before Anderson claimed his second scalp, again having his victim Rogers (66) caught behind.

Marsh fell soon afterwards, also caught behind for an entertaining 59.

This brought Adam Voges the newest member of the Australia Test squad to the wicket. Although in fine touch Voges was trapped lbw for 31, the bowler being the out of form Steve Harmison.

England ran through the lower order quickly, but were held up by a fine knock from Luke Pomersbach, who made a stylish 90 not out. With WA dismissed for 309, England will start their innings tomorrow.

The captain of England today was Andrew Strauss, who rotated his bowlers well, giving Test hopeful Monty Panesar a good workout his figures being 25 overs 2 maidens one for 69.

The pick of the bowlers however was James Anderson who bowled with good control in claiming three wickets, where as unfortunately Harmison was once again well below his best.

Western Australia 309
Luke Pomersbach 90, Chris Rogers 66, Shaun Marsh 59
James Anderson 3-47, Sajid Mahmood 2-61