15 Dec 2013

Australia take control again at the WACA

6:42 am on 15 December 2013

The Australian cricketers have wrested control back from England for the second day in a row and taken another big step towards reclaiming the Ashes, in the third test in Perth.

At stumps on the second day the tourists were 180 for four in reply to the hosts' 385 all out

England were 24 without loss at lunch and 91 for two at tea, but have plenty to feel aggrieved about after a DRS controversy over the dismissal of Joe Root for four.

The fuming batsman left the ground shaking his head after an unsuccessful review, when it appeared he didn't hit the ball.

Alastair Cook's wicket for 72 was another key victory for Australia, after the skipper and Carberry, who made a patient 43, shared a partnership of 85 which is the highest opening stand for either side in the series.

Kevin Pietersen was out for 19 in 95 minutes, falling to Peter Siddle for the third time in the series and 10th time in Pietersen's career.

Stephen Smith top-scored with 111 for Australia.

England trail 2-0 in the five-match series and defeat in Perth would mean Australia regain the Ashes.