The Ashes 2017 Third Test: Aussies wary of forecasted rain as they push for series-deciding WACA win

THE Aussies are concerned! Not by a potential England fightback at the WACA over the next two days but by the potential of wet weather denying them a chance at winning the Ashes.

Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh have put the Aussies in a strong position.

MOTHER Nature, not mother country, looms as the biggest threat to Australia capturing the Ashes in Perth.

Rain and late storms are forecast for Sunday with Australia 4-549, some 146 runs ahead of England, in the third Test.

More rain is predicted on Monday’s final day of play as Australia eye another victory to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-Test series.

Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh have put the Aussies in a strong position.

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“I have heard there is a bit of weather around potentially in the next few days - hopefully, that stays away,” Australia skipper Steve Smith said.

On Sunday, Smith will resume his Test-best knock - 229no - with Mitchell Marsh unbeaten on 181.

The pair have put on 301 runs for the sixth wicket to sap England’s morale.

“I’m not sure we have broken their spirit,” Marsh said after scoring his first Test ton.

“But we have certainly put ourselves in a very good position to now win this match if we can bat well.”

Marsh noted the tourists were “obviously tired” at the end of Saturday’s play when England took just one wicket.

And after knocking the Englishmen down, Marsh said the Aussies planned to “put our foot on the throat”.

But the grim weather outlook could thwart Australia’s bid to bowl England out cheaply on a pitch featuring widening cracks.

“The longer we bat, the more the cracks will come into play,” Marsh said.

“There’s a pretty big crack pretty much straight down middle stump bowling from the bottom end (of the ground).

“Hopefully, if we can bat well tomorrow and get a decent lead, then they will come into play.”

Originally published as The Ashes 2017 Third Test: Aussies wary of forecasted rain as they push for series-deciding WACA win