Cricket: England take the fight to Australia, limiting them to 220 for 5

PERTH (REUTERS) - A revitalised England gave notice they would not be giving up the Ashes without a fight and reduced Australia to 220 for five at tea on a sweltering opening day of the third test at the Waca today.

Australia, who will recapture the urn with victory in Perth, were scoring at five runs an over at one stage of their innings but also contributed to their own downfall with some rash strokes.

Steve Smith, who was unbeaten on 58 having opened his innings with a booming six and reached his sixth Test half-century, will resume for the final session with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (35).

David Warner's attempted cut to be caught at point for 60 would contend for the worst dismissal of the day but George Bailey (seven) came close to claiming the honours with an attempted hook that saw him hole out on the boundary.

Captain Michael Clarke (24) will also be disappointed with the stroke that led to his departure just before lunch.

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