England are heading for their third consecutive Ashes Test defeat after conceding a significant first-innings lead and then losing an early wicket on the second day of play at the WACA. The visitors finally dismissed Australia for 456 to concede a 271-run deficit but they were unable to escape further disappointment as they lost opener Marcus Trescothick before the close to finish on 33 for one. Trescothick battled for 30 minutes to score four before attempting to fend off a bouncer but he only succeeded in guiding the ball behind to wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.
Afterwards, England's bowling star Craig White admitted there was some hard work to be done if the tourists are to salvage any pride from the third Test. White's first five-wicket Ashes haul was the only real bright spot for England in today's play. "We have got some work to do and hopefully we can work hard tomorrow and get in there," White told Sky Sports.
England's job was made that much more difficult with the loss of White's county colleague Chris Silverwood who was ruled out of the remainder of the Test because of torn ankle ligaments sustained in the field yesterday. "Unfortunately, `Silvers' did his ankle but you can't do anything about it and it is up to the guys to work that little bit harder," White explained.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
