Australia builds big Ashes lead

Opener Shane Watson again fell agonisingly short of a Test century as Australia built a commanding lead on the third day of the third Test at the WACA Ground. Watson, who was chasing his third Test century, fell in the 90s for the fourth time at the top level, trapped leg before wicket by Chris Tremlett (2-56) on 95. The powerful right-hander had batted flawlessly until his dismissal, with some magnificent cover drives. Watson challenged the decision and was clearly unhappy when it was upheld as he felt he had edged the delivery into his pad, but replays showed his bat actually made contact with the pad rather than the ball. He had been at the crease for 241 minutes and 174 balls, hitting 11 boundaries, and combined with Mike Hussey for the first century partnership of the match, the pair adding 113 to rescue Australia from a shaky 64-3. After resuming at 119-3 on Saturday, Watson was the only Australian batsman to fall in the first session as England’s bowlers toiled with little luck. At lunch, the home side was 211-4, an overall lead of 292 with the rejuvenated Hussey on 60 and Steven Smith on 16. Hussey was given out lbw to Tremlett from the last ball before lunch, but his challenge was successful after replays showed the ball was going over the stumps. Smith had already survived two close shaves, when he was given out caught in the slips from the bowling of Steve Finn (2-77) for one, but had the decision overturned on challenge. The review showed he did not edge the ball, which struck just a fraction too high to be given out lbw. Australia made 268 in their first innings and then routed England for 187 on the second day, led by Mitchell Johnson’s stunning 6-38. If England win, they retain the Ashes, while an Australian win levels the series with two Tests to play. Although the Australian lead may appear daunting in a low-scoring match, England can draw inspiration from South Africa’s last-day run chase in Perth in 2008, when they were set 414 to win and did so with six wickets in hand.