england batted first and their openers immediately seized the initiative, putting on 234 for the first wicket in four hours. the tourists made 488 and booth scored eight as australia replied with 221 and were forced to follow on. he made 27 in the second innings before being bowled by david allen as the hosts fell to an innings defeat. it was australia's biggest defeat at home since the fourth test of the 1911–12 ashes series when they lost by an innings and 225 runs. after the match, england captain mike smith told booth that he expected to see him in the fourth test, but his australian counterpart prophetically predicted his downfall.