England face defeat as Australia inch closer to winning back urn

England's battle to save the Ashes will go into the final day of the third Test after rain brought an early end to day four in Perth.

The tourists had reached 132-4, still 127 short of making Australia bat again, when the weather intervened at the Waca.

Australia earlier declared on 662-9 in their first innings, a lead of 259.

England were required to bat for the best part of five sessions to escape with a draw, yet lost Mark Stoneman, Alastair Cook and Joe Root cheaply.

They were steadied by James Vince, who made his second Test half-century before being bowled by a wonderful delivery from Mitchell Starc.

At 2-0 down in the series, England must not lose at a ground where they have not won since 1978 to avoid surrendering the urn at the earliest opportunity.