The Ashes, third Test day two live: Australian batsmen chasing huge first innings total at WACA

A batting masterclass from captain Steve Smith has put Australia right back in the game against England at the WACA. FOLLOW LIVE

Josh Hazlewood was the pick of Australia’s bowlers on day one of the Third Test.

AUSTRALIA’S Mr Reliable, Steve Smith, has leapt at the challenge presented by England’s huge first innings total of 403 and has put on a batting masterclass on the second day of the third Test at Perth’s WACA Ground.

At stumps, Australia was 3/203, 200 runs behind England, with Smith not out on 92 from 122 balls.

Smith is in imperious touch and offered England nothing as he steered the ball to all parts.

He was ably assisted by Usman Khawaja 50 (123 balls) before Khawaja was out lbw.

Australia started batting after lunch after they took 6-35 to clean up the English tail and England would have been buoyed early on when paceman Craig Overton claimed David Warner (22) and then fellow opener Cameron Bancroft (25) to have Australia at 2-55.

Smith quickly set about changing the tone and he will be looking for a big ton on Day 3.

Follow over-by-over coverage on our live blog below throughout the day’s play: