Day three - A long hard struggle and then Gilchrist entered the fray - Aussie assault

If we are to have a chance it needs to be Magnificent Monte today.Hopefully he was earlier to bed than I, certainly he will have had less to drink- who's idea was the B52's. Should know better- it could be a long hot day. Early wickets vital but Ponting and Hayden seemed in little trouble last night.

At lunch England have captured two wickets courtesy of Harmison, (Ponting caught by Jones) who has bowled well with little luck, and Hayden well caught at slip by Collingwood off Monte for 92. If radio commentary is to be believed he should have been given LBW to Harmison in the 60's although in fairness England's appeal lacked confidence. Mahmoud has yet to bowl and while Freddie has steamed in he has not in truth threatened.The security at the WACA has hit new heights today - on a 36degree sunny day shade is at a premium but overnight areas in which people stood happily yesterday have been deemed off limits. A group of Elvises were moved on swiftly and should one stand still to watch the game from a different angle security quickly moves in to prompt you to keep moving. Sad that many English visitors will find the welcome less warm than expected- equally that with Australia on top and closing on winning back the Ashes large tracts of the members stand are empty. Particularly liked the Elvis's rendition of:

We are the Presleys,
The Elvis Presleys
We are fat and we are dead
We are the richest former rock stars the world as ever had
Elvises enjoying themselves.

To the tune of you are my sunshine, which seemed to earn them a warning from a zealous steward and ominously they were not to be seen after tea.

Their mood would have been lifted had Jones managed to hold on to a difficult chance running to backward square as Hussey hooked and edged Harmison on 48. He was dropped again on 82 a difficult chance to Strauss in between 1st and 2nd slip off Hoggard.

Hussey has proved to be the threat I expected him to be and it remains a mystery why he was not part of the 2005 Ashes squad. England have not had much luck today but Clarke and Hussey have both batted well.Just before tea Hussey's century is greeted by raucous celebration, George predicts we will not win and the Barmy Army is quiet. Even Hussey's demise caught by Jones off Panesar fails to raise them from afternoon slumber but then Australia 386 ahead with 4 wickets down is hardly cause for celebration. Clouds moving over may be our best hope of prolonging the series.

Another fine catch from Collingwood at slip to dismiss Symonds off Monte succeeded only in bringing Gilchrist to the crease to feast on a tiring England attack and rediscover his form. While Clarke sauntered on to a well deserved hundred Gilchrist only missed the fastest Test century of all time by one ball. Not a great photo but this is the ball that would have made the fastest Test Century his ( I think)

His assault on Panesar 6,6,4,huge six meant it was misery for Monte and then for Hoggie and Harmison who were both battered in the carnage that followed. At least we can say we were there!!!!The prospect of England facing nearly 200 overs to save the game is not one that offers much hope, George is sure we won't win! We leave with the declaration at 528 for 5 and before we reach the hotel Strauss has fallen LBW to Brett Lee for a duck. No autographs tonight as we are out to dinner with friends so only Clive Radley added to the shirt today.

There has been much talk of the character of the England side from the changing room tomorrow will be a real test of that character.