Smith and Marsh dominate England in Perth Test

Australia 4 for 546 (Smith 229*, Mitchell 181*) lead England 403 (Malan 140, Bairstow 119, Stoneman 56, Starc 4-91, Hazlewood 3-92) by 146 runs

Perth: Steve Smith was unstoppable and Mitchell Marsh silenced his critics as Australia seized control with the bat on the third day of the crucial third Ashes Test at the WACA Ground on Saturday.

Smith and Mitchell Marsh carried the home side past the English first innings total with a massive 301-run fifth-wicket partnership that appeared to shatter the tourists' resolve.

Smith was on 229 and Mitchell was on 181, the home side leading England's by 146 runs with six wickets in hand.

Resuming on 92 at the start of play, Smith wasted little time raising his 22nd Test century, reaching the mark from 138 balls -- his fastest Test century in terms of balls faced.

The Australian captain was rarely troubled by the English bowlers as he notched his second hundred of the series and closed in on his second Test double century.

It was his 22nd Test century and he also passed 1000 runs for the calendar year during the innings.

It came from just 138 balls, the fastest century of his career in terms of balls faced. Coming in his 107th Test knock, only Don Bradman (58 innings) and Sunil Gavasker (101 innings) have reached 22 Test centuries in fewer innings.

He also survived an ambitious lbw review from the bowling of Anderson on 135, when Chris Gaffaney gave him not out and replays confirmed the ball was clearly missing leg stump.

There was another lbw review after Smith was again given not out to Anderson on 173, but replays showed it was a front foot no-ball.

Marsh came to the crease under huge pressure to perform after a contentious recall, having dropped a simple catch and bowled poorly during the England innings.

He was more circumspect as the double century loomed, content to pick off easy singles against an ultra-defensive English field.

He reached 200 by working Moeen Ali through mid-wicket for another single, having faced 301 balls and hit 26 fours and one six.

Smith hadn't offered a single chance, although he did survive two decision reviews for leg before wicket, having been given not out by the on-field umpire on both occasions.

He also passed 1000 Test runs for the calendar year during the innings.

Australia lead the series 2-0 and can regain the Ashes with victory.