The Kent CCC Member was not particularly impressed by what she saw at the WACA yesterday and I don't mean just the cricket (more about that later)!

There were a group of about a dozen Aussie lads enjoying a day at the cricket sitting near to us. Upon closer inspection it was clear they had just one female friend with them which seemed a bit odd until we all realised that she was constantly getting up and returning with trays of beer. This went on all morning and it was only at lunch time we noticed she was wearing an apron with the words "Beer wench" on it. It can only be assumed that a deal had been struck and everybody was happy with the arrangement. I'm not sure English men would get away with it but it akes you think......

On the field it was a staggeringly inept display from England as Australia ruthlessly exploited a team that appeared to lack direction or any plan for the occasion. The bowlers had done a fine job on day one but on a good pitch, the highest partnership was for the 10th wicket between Harmison and Panesar. All ten wickets fell to catches and any coach will tell you this isn't acceptable at any level, particularly at Test level when the prize is so great.

I have watched some poor performances over the years but this ranked as one of the worst given the context of the situation. I really thought that 2005 would be a watershed for English cricket and that we had found the necessary mental strength to add to the undoubted talent we have to regularly take on and beat the best. There is still some way go in this match but Ponting is a driven man and his batting suggested he would be taking his foot off the pedal at this stage.

Despite the performance there were still some very amusing moments. Glenn McGrath dropped Pietersen on the boundary in front of the Barmy Army and was immediately serenaded (to the tune of Walking in a Winter Wonderland)with the words:

Old Glenn McGrath, old Glenn McGrath
With your walking stick and your zimmer frame
You've (soiled) yourself again Glenn McGrath.

To be fair to Glenn, he responded with a big smile and started hobbling around the outfield. A tremendous character as Worcestershire supporters will know.

Another poor more elderly local accidentally tripped as he went to his seat and was immediately met with the chant of "Your young enough to be in the Aussie team".

We may be losing on the field but we are certainly winning the battle of wits off the field. Let's all hope for a wonderful comeback on day three.