Monty Runs Riot to Give England Hope

Monty Panesar made a huge impact in the third Ashes test at the WACA. Panesar took five wickets as Australia disappointed home fans on 184 runs for 6 wickets before tea. England continued the high tempo bowling to remove Australia for 244.

An improved bowling display has given English cricket hopes a boost at the Ashes. Monty Panesar, the left arm spinner, has been introduced to great effect. Monty took the wickets of Langer, Symonds, Gilchrist and Warne. With Steve Harmison catching the dangerous Ricky Ponting LBW for just 2 runs, Australia are on the back foot in these early exchanges.

England have been shortened by Blue Square to 2/1 to win the third test. Australia remain firm favourites at 4/6, with the draw at 9/2.

England now need to back up Panesar's superb bowling performance with a strong batting display. Defeat in the third test, for England, would mean the Ashes are won by Australia. The final two tests would be irrelevant. This fact appears to have stirred England into bowling at the top of their game.

Pundits will now be questioning why it has taken England three tests to introduce Panesar, who is clearly the best spin bowler in Great Britain.

As we go to press, Panesar has taken his fifth wicket with the LBW dismissal of Brett Lee. Panesar is the first English spinner to take 5 wickets at the WACA. Australia are 244 all out with the close of play on the horizon.

Ed note: Bet in-running on the Ashes at Blue Square

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