TO- PSPIN SPECIAL

ENGLAND have never lost a Test at the WACA after scoring 300-plus in their first innings (won one, drawn three).

JONNY BAIRSTOW and Dawid Malan put on the highest fifth-wicket stand for England at the WACA. Their 174* overtakes the 158 made by Mark Ramprakash and Graham Thorpe in 1995.

ENGLAND have had just three higher fifth-wicket stands in Ashes Tests: Denis Compton & Eddie Paynter (206 at Trent Bridge, 1938), Len Braund & Tip Foster (192 at Sydney, 1903) and Patsy Hendren & Maurice Leyland (191 at Old Trafford, 1934).

AT 32 years and 354 days, Alastair Cook is the youngest to reach 150 Tests, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record (35y 106d).

ENGLAND absentee Ben Stokes was also enjoying himself, smashing 93 off 47 balls and taking a wicket as Canterbury thrashed Otago by 134 runs in New Zealand.