Yes 999’s, a crazy day. I remember hearing the commentator say before a first ball was bowled, the curator was going to supply a pitch that was less likely to bowl two teams, the first day!
Carse was getting some insane bounce from near on a length. This has always been the way in Perth, and for once we have the attack to capitalise. Less stupidity from the batsmen, even though they outscored the Aussies, would be helpful. This really is a defining series for Root, the best English batsman of my lifetime - except against the Aussies in Australia. He needs a couple of tons to be in the best ever top 5. I’ve been to the WACA, decades ago. The Optus looks like a much better stadium and it seems like they took the square from the WACA and relaid it.
It was great to see the Aussies getting battered by the pace onslaught. Five seamers was exactly right for this pitch - no let up. Let's hope that England's batters are a little more protective of their wickets tomorrow. This is a big chance to take the lead in what will be a close series. Cummins isn't playing in this Test, but I read that Root's average against him is worse than Warner's against Broad.
TNT cut back on staff for this tour, punditry being done from here rather than having the whole team over there. I suppose you could call them 'Sky Lite'...
