Johnson's swings Australia into form

Mitchell Johnson was back amongst the wickets after being recalled for the third test, producing some devastating swing to end with a brilliant figure of 6-38 which helped Australia restrict England to an abysmal 187 on the second day of the third Ashes test at Perth.

After a quick job on the English batting line, Australia extended their lead to 200 in the second innings losing three wickets to end day two at 119-3.

It wasn't all jubilation for Australia though, as Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke continued their dismal form while Phillip Hughes failed to suitably replace the injured Katich.

English quicks had a job on their hands as their batsmen's free fall earlier in the day meant Australia had a lead of 81 runs. Steven Finn's efforts paid off when Australia lost Phillip Hughes (12) at the score of 31 after the youngster edged to Collingwood at third slip.

Skipper Ricky Ponting (1) continued his dismal form, when he fell victim to Finn soon after. Ponting could only glove down the leg side, and though the umpires overruled calls for a wicket, England reviewed successfully.

Michael Clarke (20) came on and took the game to England with four quick boundaries. However, he paid the price for his approach when he dragged into his stumps off Tremlett. The three wickets gives a life-line for England, but with Shane Watson (61 unbeaten) imposing himself on the attack and Mike Hussey (24 unbeaten) looking dangerous, they need early wickets on day three and restrict Australia to a lead of anything below 350 if they are to stand a realistic chance of taking the game.

The star of the show was Mitchell Johnson, who was recalled for the Perth test after being dropped for the second test at Adelaide. His week on the nets seems to have paid off, giving Australia some much needed thrust in their bowling attack.

England started their innings strongly enough, going up to 78 without losing a wicket. However, all that changed with Johnson's seventh over. Alastair Cook (32), who was formidable up until then, drove loosely to give Hussey a low catch at gully. It was the start of England's nightmare in which Johnson burst 4 wickets from 7 balls, deflating England's previously prolific line-up.

Trott (4), Pietersen (0) and Collingwood (5) all had their pads rapped as Johnson had them given lbw. His swing was too hot for England to handle, as Trott missed his flat-footed drive before Johnson's in-swinger found his pad in front of the stump. Pietersen soon followed after reviewing unsuccessfully when another Johnson in-swinger rapped him in front of middle and leg. Collingwood was soon to suffer the same fate, this time Australia reviewing successfully, to leave England at 98-5.

In between Pietersen's and Collingwood's wicket, Strauss' (52) battling half-century ended when Ryan Harris did his bit by tempting the English skipper to edge behind. Siddle got Matt Prior (12) with something of a fluke when the ball rebounded of the Englishman's hips, then of his gloves and onto the stumps. Graeme Swann (11) then fell to Harris before the seamer had England's other half-centurion, Ian Bell (53), who played a majestic innings, walking back.

Johnson came back into the attack to claim the wickets of the tail, Anderson (0) and Tremlett (2), to complete his six wicket haul. His spell of 6-38 may well have sprung Australia back onto this Ashes series.

England will attempt to break Australia early on what promises to be an enticing day three at Perth.