Australia and England may need to alter their bowling strategies for the third Test match of the five-match Ashes series, from December 14 to 18, after a sudden change in the pitch at the Western Australia Cricket Ground (Waca) in Perth.
The Waca has been renowned as one of the most intimidating pitches in the world, with menacing bounce and lightning pace, but that reputation is fading fast only two matches into the 2006-07 Pura Cup first-class competition.
More than 2,000 runs have been plundered and only 26 wickets have fallen in six days of play there this season, including the home state's mammoth of 608 for three declared in their season-opener against Victoria last week. That may lead Australia and England to play two spinners each with the Ashes on the line.
Australia opening batsman Justin Langer, playing at the Waca this week for Western Australia against Tasmania, said: "You don't like to see any wicket, whether it's at the Waca or anywhere in the world, be biased towards batsmen or bowlers. At the moment it's probably too biased for batsmen so you like to see a balance there."
