Ashes: Australia close in on series victory over England

The tourists had reached 132-4, still 127 short of making Australia bat again, when the weather intervened at the Waca.

Australia earlier declared on 662-9 in their first innings, a lead of 259.

England were required to bat for the best part of five sessions to escape with a draw, yet lost Mark Stoneman, Alastair Cook and Joe Root cheaply.

They were steadied by James Vince, who made his second Test half-century before being bowled by a wonderful delivery from Mitchell Starc.

At 2-0 down in the series, England must not lose at a ground where they have not won since 1978 to avoid surrendering the urn at the earliest opportunity.

Rain threatened for much of a grey, blustery day in Perth, but a brief shower before tea was all that came before heavier rain arrived 45 minutes before the scheduled close.

England’s task of batting throughout Monday will not be helped by the cracks running down the length of the pitch, but more bad weather is forecast.