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Australia declare, lead England by 503

Australia lead England by 503 runs heading into the final innings of the third Ashes Test match in Perth.

Australia have declared their second innings in Perth on 369-6, resulting in a lead of 503 in the third Test against England.

The hosts lead the series 2-0 after wins in Brisbane and Adelaide, meaning that victory at The WACA will see them clinch the Ashes for the first time since 2007.

Resuming on 249-3, Shane Watson and Steve Smith added 52 runs to their total before Ben Stokes struck to remove the latter, who was caught by substitute fielder Jonny Bairstow after miscuing a pull shot.

Watson moved past triple figures for the fourth time in his Test career before eventually being run out by Tim Bresnan in farcical circumstances.

The Aussie number three served the ball on a plate for Ian Bell, who dropped an easy catch, but quick thinking from the Yorkshire seamer brought an end to his innings on 103.

Brad Haddin lasted just six balls before screwing Bresnan to Graeme Swann with five runs to his name.

George Bailey laid siege to James Anderson before the declaration, hitting two fours, three sixes and a double to rack up 28 runs, therefore equalling Brian Lara's record for a single over in Test cricket.

It was a completely demoralising session for the tourists, who face the improbable task of batting out a day and a half to salvage a draw.

Australia have now scored over 1,000 more runs than England's batsmen during the series.

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Australian batsman David Warner celebrates making his 100 runs on the third day of the third Ashes cricket Test match against England in Perth on December 15, 2013
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