Australia were 549 for four at stumps on the third day of the third Ashes test against England in Perth on Saturday.
Steve Smith was on 229 and Mitchell Marsh was on 181, the home side leading England by 146 runs with six wickets in hand.
Australian captain Smith’s incredible year continued as he notched his second test double century at the WACA Ground on Saturday.
England's James Anderson reacts after Australia's captain hits runs on the way to 229. Photo: Reuters
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Smith and Marsh carried the home side past the English first innings total with a massive fifth-wicket partnership that appeared to shatter the tourists’ resolve.
Resuming on 92 at the start of play, Smith wasted little time raising his 22nd test century, reaching the mark from 138 balls – his fastest test century in terms of balls faced.
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He was more circumspect as the double century loomed, content to pick off easy singles against an ultra-defensive English field.
England captain Joe Root leaves the ground as his hopes of retaining the Ashes fade. Photo: AP
