Mitchell Johnson brands Kevin Pietersen a ‘smart-arse’

Mitchell Johnson today branded Kevin Pietersen a smart-arse as England and Australia turned on each other during a day of sledging flashpoints in Perth.

Australia landed the major blows on the field thanks to Johnson’s six for 35 that leaves them in charge of the match here at the WACA. Australia lead by 200 runs with seven second-innings wickets in hand, but it was the sight of both sides being so openly hostile towards one another that also made day two here such a memorable one.

Full story: The Independent

 

Ponting: We’ve been ordinary but belief is building

To borrow a saying, a week is a long time in sport. That’s certainly the case for a number of players at the moment, including me.

Michael Beer, the left-arm spinner in his first season for Western Australia, must be wondering what’s happening with his world after being chosen for the third Test in Perth after just five first-class games.

And talented NSW youngsters Phil Hughes and Steven Smith are back in the side.

It’s always an exciting time when youngsters are chosen to play for Australia. Their enthusiasm becomes infectious in the dressing room and out on the ground.

Seven days ago, I was in the field trying to gain an advantage as England went about setting up its Adelaide Test win.

Full story: The Australian

Warne says just add Beer

Michael Beer

Shane Warne has encouraged the Australian selectors to consider the local knowledge of Western Australian left-arm spinner Michael Beer for the critical third Ashes Test in Perth.

A former Victorian, 26-year-old Beer ventured west this year in pursuit of greater opportunity and has bowled decently in his five first-class matches for the Warriors, returning 16 wickets at 39.93.

He took five of those across two innings in the tour match against the Englishmen at the WACA ground in November.

Full story: ABC Sport

Hauritz gives selectors timely reminder

Image via Wikipedia

Nathan Hauritz ensured he’ll be considered again during the Ashes Series after bowling NSW to a 199-run win over Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield game in Perth, but his captain feels he should never have been dropped.

Hauritz was left out of the Australian team to play England in the first Test at the Gabba and remains out of the squad for the second in Adelaide on Friday.

But his 5-39 off 27 overs today to bowl NSW to a big win at the WACA made sure he will not be forgotten.

Full story: Sydney Morning Herald

Timely ton for Hussey, but Hauritz to go

Image by pj_in_oz via Flickr

A stylish century at the perfect time should extend Mike Hussey‘s Test career at least into next week’s Ashes opener, but the axe is set to fall on spinner Nathan Hauritz.

Hussey will be picked on Saturday in what is expected to be a 13-man squad for the Gabba first Test, after stroking 118 for Western Australia in their MCG Sheffield Shield match against Victoria on Friday.

His form would have heartened selectors, as would have an impressive five-wicket first innings haul to Australia and WA paceman Mitchell Johnson against the Bushrangers on Friday.

Full story: Sydney Morning Herald