England drop the ball to leave Australia 203-3 after tail collapses following record partnership in third Ashes test in Perth

Steve Smith was on 92 and Shaun Marsh was on seven, with Craig Overton having claimed two wickets.

Playing just his second test, Overton removed the dangerous David Warner (22) and local batsman Cameron Bancroft (25) in quick succession to lift English spirits after the visitors suffered a dramatic batting collapse before lunch. Chris Woakes removed Usman Khawaja lbw for 53.

Earlier, England’s tail collapsed dramatically after a record fifth-wicket partnership by centurions Malan and Bairstow had given the tourists the ascendancy on the second day of the third Ashes.

England were all out for 403 at lunch after losing their last six wickets for just 35 runs, having won the toss and elected to bat.

Australia lead the series 2-0 and can regain the Ashes with victory at the WACA Ground, although heavy rain is forecast for the final two days.

Bairstow put a controversial few weeks behind him to notch his fourth test century as part of a 237-run stand with Malan, whose maiden test ton came to an end just before the interval.