16 Dec 2013

Australia close in on Ashes

5:49 am on 16 December 2013

The Australian cricketers have a vice-like grip on the Ashes after a dominant third day of the third test against England in Perth.

The home team went to stumps last night on 235 for 3 in their second innings, giving them an overall lead of 369 with two days to play.

David Warner led the scoring with a brilliant 112, reaching three figures off 127 balls.

England's hopes of keeping the series alive had wilted in fierce morning heat when they were skittled for 251 in their first innings.

Later in the day their leading pace bowler Stuart Broad was taken to hospital for scans on an injured foot, and his test is probably over.