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Matt Cooke previews this weekend's white rose varsity tournament against Hull
James Tompkinson talks to YUSU Sports President candiate Sam Asfahani
James Tompkinson talks to YUSU Sports Presidential Candidate Ben McGladdery
Mike Hussey put in a stunning century to shatter English illusions of superiority that had been built at Adelaide. His innings, combined with a 95 from Shane Watson, floated Australia to a buoyant 309 all out on the third day in Perth, leaving England with an increasingly evasive target of 391 in their final innings.
England knew the task was an uphill one, but were soon left feeling like sausage rolls at a buffet in Dawn French's house, as their top five batsmen were devoured without remorse at alarming speed. Cook went for 13 and Strauss followed soon after, gifting a catch in the slips to a grateful Ricky Ponting.
England's misery would only accumulate as the day wore on, as Pietersen rediscovered his special touch with a duck. Trott fought bravely but was dispatched for 31, and Collingwood fell foul of a terrific Steve Smith catch. England finished on a pessimistic 81-5.
England gracefully gathered psychological momentum at Adelaide, but that was shattered in one vicious century from Mike Hussey. Australian cricket so often feeds on self-belief and mental determination, and if they can finish the job tonight, the Aussies won't even notice the lack of genuine world-class talent in their ranks when Boxing Day arrives. It's all in the mind, you know.
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