England have taken the initial charge of the third Ashes Test at Perth after bowling out Australia for just 268 in 76 overs on the first day's play. This was after their Skipper Andrew Strauss had won the toss and elected to field first. The morning session was a terrible one for the hosts as they got reduced to 65 for 4. Michael Hussey once again came to the rescue but got out for 61 (from 104 balls with 9 fours and a six) to leave his side at 137 for 6. England missed a trick or two as the Australians managed to get to some sort of respectability thanks to half centuries from Steven Smith (53 from 80 balls with 6 fours and a six) and Brad Haddin (62 from 93 balls with 8 fours and a six).
For England, James Anderson and Chris Tremlett took three wickets each while Steven Finn and Graeme Swann took two wickets each. The visitors finished Day 1 at 29 for 0 in in 12 overs.
- BV Swagath