Australia has turned the Ashes series momentum on its head after a stunning third Test victory in Perth, which takes the series to 1-1 ahead of the Melbourne Boxing Day Test.
Mitchell Johnson, recalled after being dropped for the second Test, produced an incredible spell of bowling early on the second day at the WACA to change the complexion of the match and put England on the back foot.
Arguably that spell was the crucial moment for Australia, who went onto bowl England out twice in ruthless fashion, while Michael Hussey’s century (he’s piling on the runs this series) ensured a home success.
Johnson’s spell was so good, Australia skipper Ricky Ponting labelled it one of the greats in Ashes history. Perhaps, that’s a stretch, but it certainly had an impact.
But can Johnson’s form last? He still looked good in the second innings, when Ryan Harris picked up six wickets, while Johnson claimed three.
The ball was swinging at the WACA, though, and the question may be can Johnson regain that level of swing. He admitted he was surprised by the amount of swing he was able to get at the WACA, his home ground.
There’s no doubt as a wicket-taker, Johnson is a key player for Australia and his role as man of the match in the third Test emphasises that point.
Ponting said of Johnson’s spell: “It’s set up this victory and no doubt now set up the series for us.
“Some of the deliveries that he bowled that got their (England) batsmen out will now have them thinking seriously about the way that they play him.”
England captain Andrew Strauss refused to buy into such thoughts, claiming his side would not panic and would not change their approach much.
The English have played plenty of good cricket during this tour and can take heart from that, but they were outplayed by the Australia in Perth.
Strauss concedes that and said things can be learned from the defeat. Then again, Australia will need to continue to produce such a level of performance. Strauss, though, wants to see his side continue to improve.
“There are lessons to be learned,” he said. “I think our biggest problem was that when the momentum started swinging against us we weren’t able to wrestle it back.
“So instead of losing a couple of wickets, we lost three, four, five and then it’s always hard to come back into the game. We need to retain that belief in the dressing room that we can win out here and there’s no reason to not believe that because we’ve played some outstanding cricket so far on this tour.”
England’s bowlers performed well, easily covering the loss of Stuart Broad to injury, with Chris Tremlett in fine form as his replacement.
The batting department, though, will worry Strauss after putting together just over 300 runs in innings in Perth.
“Ultimately the batsmen have to take the blame for this one, take it on the chin and come back stronger at Melbourne,” Strauss said.
It appears that won’t result in changes though, despite Paul Collingwood’s poor form with the bat. Strauss insists now isn’t the time to panic.
Australia, on the other hand, have some issues with Ponting injuring his finger late in day three and missing all of play on day four. It remains to be seen if he’ll be available for the fourth Test.
Ponting’s form with the bat hasn’t been great, but he is a superstar and he is the Australia captain. If he misses out, questions will turn to who replaces him as captain. Is Michael Clarke the right man for the job? And does Clarke even retain his own spot after poor form?
Ponting said: “I’m not going to be silly and put myself ahead of the team, especially in such an important game. If I don’t think I can function well, then I won’t play.
“But if I feel that I can function and play somewhere near - I won’t say how I’ve been playing - better than I have been playing, then I’ll play the game.”
He added: “What sort of a percentage am I to play? I think I’m a really good chance of playing. It’s only a small fracture. It’s a bit sore and angry at the moment but I’ll be right.”
Australia will also ponder the prospect of three quicks for the MCG Test, with spinners Nathan Hauritz and Michael Beer a chance. If they chose to play a spinner, Peter Siddle would probably drop out.
All questions which have few clear answers at this stage, but suddenly Australia aren’t panicking and England are trying not to. Has the momentum swung, maybe?