Third Ashes Test, Perth (day two, stumps):
Australia 268 & 119-3 v England 187
Venue: Waca Date: 16-20 December. Play resumes 0230 GMT on 18 Dec Coverage: Live on Test Match Special on BBC Radio 4 LW, 5 live sports extra and online; live highlights and day's review on the TMS podcast ; live text commentary on BBC Sport website; live on Sky Sports 1; highlights on ITV4
Match scorecard

Mitchell Johnson (left) is cheered off by Mike Hussey (centre) and Brad Haddin

By Justin Langer Australia batting/leadership coach

I have always felt that you judge a person's character by the way they handle adversity and by the way they fight back when the chips are down.

With that in mind, Mitchell Johnson today confirmed my huge respect for him and I must admit I felt quite emotional when he returned to the changing room after taking six England wickets.

Being dropped from the Australian cricket team is always a kick in the guts and for a time you feel like you cannot see past the end of your nose.

Mitchell has shown over the last two days what distinguishes the champions from the rest. Under intense pressure he has produced with both the bat and the ball.

On day one he showed his all-round ability with a very handy half century, and today he gave England a taste of the Mitchell Johnson that we have come to admire over the last few years.

TOM FORDYCE'S BLOG Just 24 hours ago the Australian monster looked dead, slain with a stump through the heart and a knife from its own media in the back. But just as England's players turned away, ready for the credits to roll, the beast came back to life

Swinging the ball at pace, Mitch had England jumping on a bouncy Waca pitch. He mixed up dangerous bouncers with world-class swing bowling.

At his best, he gets the crowd buzzing with his athleticism and infectious combative approach to the game. He is a proven match-winner and that is why he is such an integral player for Australia.

While he rightly received most of the accolades, he was ably backed up by Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris.

Much has been said about the Australia selectors' decision to pick an all-pace attack here at the Waca, but despite the hot conditions, it proved a correct one in England's first innings.

Day two was another remarkable day of Test match cricket. So much happened that the game feels like it is running in fast forward.

The loss of Phil Hughes, Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke and the likelihood of this pitch flattening out, keeps England in the contest but day two honours must go to Australia.

I wonder what is in store tomorrow in this intriguing Ashes series?

From Perth, JL

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