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Australia v England – 3rd Test Preview 

With England 1-0 up in the series and playing the best cricket since many people can remember, this third test in Perth can only come sooner for the tourists.
With the pressure mounting on the Aussies after two poor performances in the previous tests, the changes keep on coming for the home side.
 An unexpected call-up for Western Australia left-arm spinner Michael Beer has surprised many people, with only five first class matches under his belt. A certain risk for the Australian selectors, who seemingly have picked Beer, from the sole fact he took five wickets, including Kevin Pietersen LBW, in England’s first tour match. With many Australian cricketing names showing their disapproval into the selection, all eyes will be on Beer when he gets his chance to turn his arm over in the third test. Beer comes in for the disappointing Xavier Doherty in Perth.
There were high expectations of Philip Hughes when he achieved his first Australian cap, at the young age of 20. Despite some times of sheer brilliance from the Left-hander during his test career, consistency has always been a problem for the opener. Hughes comes in for the injured Simon Katich , looking to regain the form that saw him score runs for fun whilst playing for Middlesex in 2009.
All-rounder Steven Smith has been ever present in the Australian one day sides of late, but only records two test match appearances. Smith, highly rated in his home country, will supply another spin option for his side if named in the final 11 on Wednesday night. Smith comes in the squad for batsman Marcus North.
 After recording figures of 0-170 in the first test, Michael Johnson was dropped for the Adelaide test replaced by bowler Doug Bollinger, but with Bollinger failing to take the opportunity to impress, the left-armer regains his place for the squad in Perth.
Another recall for bowler Ben Hilfenhaus, who was also dropped for the second test.  Australia’s leading wicket taker in last-years series in England will feel hard done by to be dropped from the previous test. But the selectors have re-inforced their confidence in their opening bowler, in what looks to be conditions that will suit the Tasmanian.
With the injury of Stuart Broad opening up a place in the side, Amjal Shahzad , Chris Tremlett and Tim Bresnan were all eager to impress in the warm-up match against Victoria.  Despite an impressive century from Sussex keeper Matt Prior, none of the England seamers stood out from the crowd in the draw, keeping the position wide open and a selection headache for the England selectors.  
Despite Broad’s injury, England will be looking for business as usual in the third test, knowing that only one more victory is needed for the tourists to regain the Ashes. Even though England dominated the first two tests, England will be aware Australia will not give up their excellent home test record without a fight, and will need to keep their foot on the pedal to prevent an Aussie comeback.

Jamie Hopkins.