Originally Posted by cricinfo bulletin

ames Anderson pressed his case to be retained in the Test team with a quality spell of bowling [...] as England enjoyed a useful work-out against Western Australia at Perth.

The form of Steve Harmison, however, was once again a big worry for England. He bowled 21 overs for 99 in the day, none whatsoever in the session after lunch, and spent an equal amount of time in the pavilion as on the pitch [...] Harmison found neither end to be to his liking, and could barely bring himself to celebrate when did eventually break through in his second over after tea, trapping Australia's newest Test recruit, Adam Voges, lbw for 31.

In the aftermath of England's defeat at Adelaide, Duncan Fletcher insinuated that Harmison had only been included in that side as a precaution, in case England lost the toss and were asked to bowl first. There is no room for such equivocation now, however, with the series teetering on the brink, and Anderson's return to form was as timely for him as it was intriguing for the selectors.

Finding extra pace and carry from the Lillee-Marsh End, Anderson bowled nine overs for nine runs in the morning, and a further seven for ten after lunch. He grabbed a wicket on each occasion, dismissing David Bandy for 5 and Rogers for 66, both caught behind by Chris Read. After tea he returned with the new ball and held a sharp caught-and-bowled to remove Brett Dorey.