- England are 2-0 down against Australia in Ashes after losing first two Tests
- The tourists must not lose at the WACA if they are to retain the Ashes
- England were bowled out for 403 after the tail was blown away by Australia
- The hosts ended day two on 203-3 with Steve Smith eight away from a ton
- Last wicket Australia 248-4: Shaun Marsh c Joe Root b Moeen Ali 28
By Glen Williams For Mailonline
Published: 20:00 EST, 15 December 2017 | Updated: 22:28 EST, 15 December 2017
England are looking for a strong day three of the third Ashes Test as they battle once more with Australia captain Steve Smith.
Smith has punished England all series and whoever wins the tussle between him and the bowlers could determine how this crunch encounter pans out.
After Joe Root won his third straight toss, Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow stole the show with a record fifth-wicket partnership for England against Australia to put the tourists in the driving seat heading into the second day.
Malan — who scored his maiden Test century on day one — was bowled out on 140 and Bairstow (119) managed his first Ashes ton to take England to 368 before Malan was dismissed by Nathan Lyon.
England went on to post 403 on Friday after a calamitous display from the tail, who were blown away again by Australia's paceman.
Craig Overton made early inroads with the ball on day two but Usman Khawaja and Smith both made half centuries to claw back some of the initiative for the hosts.
You can follow all the third-day action with Sportsmail's GLEN WILLIAMS, with PAUL NEWMAN and RICHARD GIBSON providing updates and session reports from Perth. Coverage starts at 2am.
For users viewing this on the mobile app, click here for for full access.
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