On this day: Australia regain the Ashes with a dominating victory at Perth
Australia thrashed England by an innings and 41 runs on the final day of the third Test in Perth during the 2017-18 series to reclaim the Ashes on 18th December 2017, after rain threatened a washout. The hosts wrapped up the English innings to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
England make a good start
England had to suffer a couple of embarrassing defeats – 10 wickets at Melbourne followed by a 120-run defeat at Adelaide. After electing to bat first on a bouncy and pacy Perth track in the third Test, England managed to get 403 runs on the board, courtesy of a couple of magnificent maiden centuries from Dawid Malan (140) and Jonny Bairstow (119).
After adding close to 100 runs to their overnight score of 304, England were dismissed for 403 the next morning. In response, Steven Smith ensured that his side finished the day in a satisfactory position at 3 for 203, trailing by 200 with seven wickets in hand. By the close of the day’s play, Smith was on 92, and Shaun Marsh had 7. Earlier, Usman Khwaja had slammed a 50 from 123.
In the whole of the next day, England claimed just a single wicket of Shaun Marsh and Australia piled on 346 runs. At the close of play, Smith was on 229, whereas Mitchell Marsh was on 181, and Australia were placed 4 for 549. The next morning, Australia declared at 662 for 9, after keeping England in the field for almost 180 overs. Laying the foundation of a victory, the Australians reduced them to 138 for 4 at the close of play on Day 4.
Australia seal the series win
Despite a three-hour delay to the start of play caused by rain seeping into the pitch through the covers, the play was finally resumed as England needed to bat close to 70 overs to have any chance of clinging on to the Ashes. Dawid Malan showed some courage through his 54, adding to his spectacular century in the first innings, but an Australian victory seemed only a matter of time. Steve Smith added another feather in his cap as England were dismissed for 218 courtesy of some fierce pace bowling from Josh Hazlewood, who bagged a fifer, whereas Pat Cummins added 2 more to his tally from the first innings. Australia clinched the game by an innings and 41 runs and regained the Ashes urn.
