Australian batsmen Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh put England's attack to the sword on the third day of the third Test in Perth on Saturday, leaving the tourists praying for rain to salvage their hopes of retaining the Ashes. The home side took total control of the match and were 549 for four in their first innings by stumps, with Smith on 229 and Marsh on 181, leading the hapless tourists by 146 runs with six wickets still in hand.

Australian captain Steve Smith celebrates after reaching his 200 v England in Perth on Saturday. Pics/AFP