Ashes 2017: Five key moments from Day Four as Alastair Cook’s struggles continue whilst Mitchell Starc produces ball of the century

ENGLAND are facing defeat in the Third Ashes Test after Australia dominated proceedings once again at the WACA.

Joe Root’s side closed day four on 132-4 and will have to rely on Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow to bat through the day tomorrow to keep the series alive.

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Here are five key moments as the Aussies put one hand on the urn in Perth.

Jim back in the swing

AFTER taking one wicket in 80 overs yesterday, it took England just two balls to make a breakthrough this morning.

Jimmy Anderson was at it from the off and hit a good length, rapping Mitchell Marsh on the pad.

The Aussie reviewed, but it was revealed to be clipping the bails and he was forced to walk.

Yes, no, no, yes

AFTER losing the two overnight men cheaply, the onus was on the Aussie lower-order to push the lead up past 200.

But nobody told Mitchell Starc, who looked all at sea during his brief innings.

And as Anderson hit Tim Paine’s pads and appealed, the Australian pair’s lack of communication resulted in a comical run-out.

Is Chef’s time up?

ALASTAIR COOK has struggled since the moment his feet touched the tarmac back in November.

Averaging in the low 20s since a brilliant 243 against the West Indies in the summer, he has become a walking wicket and is desperately out of form.

The Aussies went after him early and got their reward – with a stunning catch from Josh Hazlewood down low to his right sealing Chef’s fate.

Deja vu.

Root in a spin

AUSTRALIA know that Joe Root often holds the key to a successful England innings.

But even they will be shocked at how lazy this shot was from the  skipper – with the game delicately in the balance just before tea.

Nathan Lyon’s first ball of the day was just looped up, miles outside off-stump, but Root needlessly thrashed at it and edged to slip.

Perhaps the moment the Ashes were lost.

Ball of the century

MITCHELL STARC is unplayable at the best of times – but this was something special.

Imagine having to face a 90mph off-cutter, angled in from wide of the crease and coming across your body.

James Vince played well for his fifty, but no batsman in the world would’ve kept this out.

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