Ashes 3rd Test Day 1 : Australia ride on Steve's excellent century.

Australia finished as the winners of dday one, after posing 326 for the loss of 6 wickets in the bowled quota of overs. The star of the day was Steven Smith, who shuggered off his bad performances to play a remarkable knock in a tense situation.

Earlier, Clarke won the toss and decided to bat first. In a unique first, both the captains were playing their 100th test today. The pitch looked good for batting, with usual bounce for the bowlers. But the extremely hot conditions is what might have prompted Clarke to bat first.

But the Aussies got to a bad start, losing Chris Rogers early. After getting a good start, he ran himself out, thanks to an excellent piece of fielding from Anderson. Same was the case with Watson. Got another start, but edged one to slips off Broad’s bowling, with the scorecard reading 52 for the loss of two wickets.

Meanwhile Warner in the other side was looking good, mixing caution with aggression. He and Clarke tried to stabilise a partnership, and take Australia to a big score. But just overs before lunch, Swann stuck off his very second ball of the day, getting him caught at short mid on. With the scorecard reading 106 for 3, Smith and Warner were expected to stabilise this continuous fall of wickets.

But the situation got worse after lunch. While Warner edged one off Swann to short third-man, falling for 60. Even Bailey couldn’t stay on for long, after a bad hook off Stuart Broad. The scorecard read 143 for 5 wickets, and England were definitely in the drivers seat.

But possibly the hero of Australia this series, Brad Haddin stepped up to the occassion once again, scoring his 4th consecutive 50. Meanwhile Steve Smith was playing well, mixing caution with aggression. While he was looking good to score a fantastic hundred, Haddin fell off Stokes, after he attempted a pull. The dismissal was not without confusion, as umpire felt a possibility of the ball being a no ball as the technically no part of the foot was behind the line. But Haddin had walked off and there was no reversal in decision.

At 267 for 6, the day was even upto then. Had England taken a couple of wickets more, it would have been their day. But Mitchell Johnson showed off his batting skills, remaining on an unbeaten 39.

Those who fared well:
Smith and Haddin were definitely stars of the day, but cannot ignore Broad’s and Swann’s bowling effort. While Broad continues to be the best English bowler, Swann performed much better than he did in the entire series.

And those who did not:
Anderson was disappointing. As a strike bowler, he is having a below par Ashes. Even bouncy pitch at the WACA couldn’t help in revival of his form.
Also, George Bailey’s temperament at the test level remains doubtful after a string of bad performances, just after an amazing series against India. His place in the side is definitely at stake after the manner he threw away his wicket today.

Meanwhile, Adam Gilchrist was officially inducted in the Hall of Fame in front of a packed WACA crowd.