Australia vs England 3rd Test Day 1: Malan’s maiden hundred puts England on top

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Dawid Malan century England Australia Ashes cricket

Dawid Malan celebrates after scoring his maiden Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England batsman Dawid Malan scored an unbeaten 110 to give his side the upper hand on the opening day of the third Ashes Test at the WACA in Perth.

England came into the match with their backs against the wall as they are on the verge of losing the Ashes after being defeated in the first two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide.

Electing to bat first, England opener Alastair Cook, who became the first English player to feature in 150 Tests, was given out lbw off the bowling of Mitchell Starc for seven in the fifth over.

Mark Stoneman and James Vince made up for the early loss of Cook with a 63-run partnership before Vince was caught behind off the bowling of Josh Hazlewood for 25.

England captain Joe Root fared no better as he was caught behind off the bowling of Pat Cummins for 20.

Shortly after, Stoneman was on his way back to the pavilion as he was caught behind off the bowling of Starc for a career-best 56 off 110 balls, which included 10 boundaries.

Mark Stoneman fifty England Australia Ashes cricket

Mark Stoneman scored his third Test fifty

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Despite having lost three quick wickets, England turned their fortunes around as Malan and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow amassed an unbeaten 174-run partnership, during which Malan brought up his hundred and Bairstow his fifty, before stumps was called.

Malan finished on 110 off 174 balls, which included 15 boundaries and a six, while Bairstow remained undefeated on 75 off 149 deliveries, which included 10 boundaries.

Jonny Bairstow England Australia Ashes cricket

Jonny Bairstow played a crucial role in reviving England’s innings

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Starc was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Hazlewood and Cummins chipped in with one wicket apiece.

England ended day one on 305/4 and will continue batting on Friday at 10:30 local time or 02:30 GMT.

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