By Sam Hathaway
December 16 2006

Adam Gilchrist scored the second quickest test century ever as Australia look to have one hand on the ashes. The Aussie wicket keeper hit his century off an impressive 57 balls, one behind the great Viv Richards.

England look certain to lose the ashes series as Australia declared before the end of the days play with a lead of 556. England came out with around half an hour to go till the end of the day knowing they had nothing to lose but Andrew Strauss fell off just 4 balls LBW to an inswinging ball. Replays showed that the left hander was unlucky as it was going over the stumps.

Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey also completed centuries as Australia looked in the driving seat.

Monty claimed 3 wickets while Harmison and Hoggard manged just the one to see the aussies declare.

The real higlight was Adam Gilchrist's innings as he had a point to prove as he has not batted too wel recently. He came out and scored 24 off a Monty Panesar over just after he reached his 50, this over containing 3 sixes.

Hussey was in fine form again as he reached 100 along with Michael Clarke who partnered Gilchrist for his superb innings.

England finished the day on 19-1 with Bell and Cook in.

Overall a very disappointing day yet again and the message on the big screen in Perth wrote 'See Australia win back the ashes tomorrow' said it all.