- England are 2-0 down in the Ashes after losing the first two Tests
- The tourists must not lose at the WACA if they are to retain the Ashes
- Jonny Bairstow notched his first Ashes century during a stunning innings
- England were bowled out for 403 after the tail was blown away by Australia
- The hosts ended the day on 203-3 with Steve Smith eight away from a ton
- Last wicket 179-3: Usman Khawaja lbw Chris Woakes 50
England are looking to build on a promising start to the third Ashes Test in Perth as they resume at 305-4 on day two.
Joe Root won his third straight toss and elected to bat and his decision was fully vindicated by a fine WACA pitch and some resolute England batting – particularly from Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow.
Opener Mark Stoneman played well for his 56 but when he went England were wobbling at 131-4 having lost Alastair Cook, James Vince and Joe Root for scores no higher than 25.
But England’s Nos 5 and 6 – with Bairstow promoted up the order – put on a record fifth-wicket partnership for England against Australia to put the tourists in the driving seat heading into the second day.
Malan (140) scored his maiden Test century and Bairstow (119) his first Ashes ton to take England to 368 before Malan was dismissed by Nathan Lyon.
England posted 403 after a calamitous display from the tail, who were blown away again by Australia’s paceman.
Craig Overton made early inroads with the ball but Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith both made half centuries to claw back some of the initiative for the hosts.
You can follow all the first-day action with Sportsmail’s GLEN WILLIAMS, with PAUL NEWMAN and RICHARD GIBSON providing updates and session reports from Perth.
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