Ashes: England surrender urn after humiliating defeat in third test
Australia wrap up the series at the earliest opportunity after an innings victory at the WACA in Perth.
Monday 18 December 2017 09:01, UK
Australia have regained the Ashes after beating England to go 3-0 up in the five-match series in Perth.
Australia bowled England out for 218 before tea on day five of the third test at the WACA to win by an innings and 41 runs.
The match took place after a three-hour delay as overnight rain somehow managed to get underneath the covers on the pitch.
Ground staff used leaf-blowers and a heavy roller to ready the pitch, with England coach Trevor Bayliss suggesting conditions were "difficult... maybe even a little dangerous" and "unacceptable".
The tourists needed 259 runs with six wickets in hand to make Australia bat again and stave off losing the Ashes at the earliest possible opportunity.
But only Dawid Malan offered much resistance, before he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 54, with England losing their last six wickets for just 85 runs.
Australia captain Steve Smith said: "So many different emotions are coming out right now, I'm that excited.
"What an amazing feeling to win an Ashes series, my first as captain to be three-nil up... it's quite incredible."
England captain Joe Root said the defeat was "difficult to take".
He said: "They've outplayed us in all three games. We've got to be better.
"We've got to make sure we go to Melbourne and prepare well and put in really good performances there."
England had won four of the last five Ashes series, but was thrashed 5-0 on its last visit to Australia four years ago.
The fourth test takes place on Boxing Day at the MCG in Melbourne.