England's failure with both the bat and ball leaves them facing yet another Ashes humiliation after the opening day of the third test against Australia in Perth.
Needing to win to keep the series alive after massive defeats in the first two tests, England's fragile batting once again self-destructed as the tourists finished with a modest total of 185 within 65 overs, which saw them throw away seven wickets for a paltry 84 runs.
Australia on the other hand, had no such problems as Justin Langer and Hayden took only six overs to reach 31 without loss. Langer was then run out cheaply, when he was caught out by a throw from deep. However, the tourists spurned a chance to send Damien Martyn back to the pavillion when Marcus Trescothick failed to hold a tough chance. At the end of play, the Aussies were 126-2 and looking odds on for an Ashes whitewash.
Meanwhile, in Chittagong, Bangladesh, rain halted play in the first one-day international between Bangladesh and the West Indies. Bangladesh, chasing a target of 276, were struggling at 90-4 in 17 overs when the umpires suspended play. The match will be abandoned as a draw if a minimum of 25 overs are not bowled in Bangladesh's innings. Earlier, the West Indies scored 275-7 from 50 overs after being sent to bat.
Filed by Rob Wright
