WACA pitch expected to be back at bouncy best

PERTH, Australia (AP) Former Australia opener Justin Langer says the wicket for the third Ashes test at the WACA ground will be similar to the bouncy Gabba track where Mitchell Johnson took nine wickets in the home side's 381-run win over England.

"The WACA is back to its fast, bouncy best ... it will suit Australia," Langer, now Western Australia state coach, said of the third test which begins Dec. 13.

The second test from Dec. 5 in Adelaide on a drop-in pitch is expected to offer less pace and bounce.

Johnson had match figures of 9-82 in the 2010 Ashes test at the WACA, taking man-of-the match honors in Australia's only win of the 3-1 series loss.

Langer, who played 105 tests, was pleased Australia would maintain its hard-edged, on-field banter despite Jonathan Trott returning home for a stress-related illness.

"That's how Ashes should be played, as long as they don't step over the line," Langer said.

"The players know there is a fine line there, as long as it doesn't get personal, but it should be played tough."

He said only technology had made the series seem increasingly ill-tempered.

"Go back to Bodyline (in the 1930s). I am sure there were a few harsh words spoken back then, nothing has changed," Langer said. "The only thing that has changed is there are more cameras and microphones."