Perth Test: Ruthless Australia crush England to regain Ashes urn

Perth [Australia], Dec 18 (ANI): After Steve Smith's fireworks, Josh Hazlewood bagged a five-wicket haul to help Australia thrash England by an innings and 41 runs in third Ashes Test of the five-match series at the WACA Ground and regain the coveted urn here, on Monday.

Trailing by 259 runs in the first innings after Australia declared at huge total of 662 for nine, Hazlewood ran through England's batting line-up as he clinched five wickets to bundle out the visitors for 218 and ensure his side take the trophy home.

Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon also contributed with the ball as they took two wickets each in England's second innings.

Mitchell Starc also chipped in with a wicket for Australia.

England struggled against Australia's bowling attack as they failed to build up any strong partnership throughout the second innings, with James Vince (55) and Dawid Malan (54) being the only batsman to provide their side with some resistance.

Earlier, skipper Steve Smith (239) produced a superlative performance as he struck a double century besides sharing a massive partnership of 301 runs with Mitchell Marsh (181) to guide Australia to a huge first innings total in reply to England's score of 403.

Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja was also a notable contributor for the hosts as he scored a calm and composed 50 runs, including eight boundaries.

Wicket-keeper Tim Paine (49 not out) and pacer Pat Cummins (41) also frustrated the English bowlers further and shared a vital 93-run partnership.

Anderson was the pick of the bowlers for England, as he grabbed four for 112. The remaining bowlers struggled to pick up wickets.

Eventually, Australia declared their innings at 662 for 9. It was the ninth-highest total in Australia's Test history and had earned a huge 259-run lead.

Australia, who have now taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Ashes series against England, will now play the inconsequential fourth Test, beginning December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). (ANI)