Steve Smith's 150 puts England under pressure

Australian Captain Steve Smith took his game to a new height as he dominated England’s attack on the third day of third Ashes Test in Perth on Saturday.

The unorthodox right-hander appeared to toy with the English bowlers at times as he notched his second century of the series. It was his 22nd Test century and he also passed 1000 runs for the calendar year during the innings.

On the other hand, his partner Mitchell Marsh competed his half century in replay to England’s first inning 403 runs total.

The hosts have scored 349 runs on loss of four wickets with skipper Smith batting on 163 while March made unbeaten 50. Australia still trail by 54 runs on Day 3.

Earlier, Australia lead the series 2-0 and can regain the Ashes with victory at the WACA Ground, but heavy rain is forecast for the final two days. Smith resumed on 92 and wasted little time cruising to his hundred, notching the milestone by effortlessly working Jimmy Anderson off his pads for a boundary.

It came from just 138 balls, the fastest century of his career in terms of balls faced, and in his 107th Test knock.

Only Don Bradman (58 innings) and Sunil Gavaskar (101 innings) have reached 22 Test centuries in fewer innings.