- 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
- Joe Root's side made a strong start after he won the toss and opted to bat
- England start day two 305-4 with Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow at the crease
By Glen Williams For Mailonline
Published: 19:35 EST, 14 December 2017 | Updated: 19:35 EST, 14 December 2017
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 an unbeaten fifth wicket partnership of 174 to put England in the driving seat heading into the second day.
Malan (110) scored his maiden Test century and Bairstow (75) will be looking to join him on three figures today against a tiring Australia attack.
England know they must post a score over 400 to give themselves a chance of winning the Test and clawing back into the series, which they trail 2-0.
You can follow all the first-day action with Sportsmail's GLEN WILLIAMS, with PAUL NEWMAN and LAWRENCE BOOTH providing updates and session reports from Perth.
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