KEY POINTS:
PERTH - Australia's players were determined not to drop their guard as they edged closer to regaining the Ashes from England on Friday.
The Australians, already 2-0 up in the five match series, seized control of the third test when they bowled England out for 215 then opened up a 148 run lead with nine second innings wickets in hand.
With Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden both unbeaten on 57 and looking in superb touch, Australia were well-placed to build a big lead but insisted they were taking nothing for granted.
"We're in a good position in the game. There's a lot of excitement about getting ourselves in a good position to win a test match," fast bowler Stuart Clark said.
"If we do win then obviously the Ashes will be a part of it but it's not what we're focusing on at the moment.
"We've made an impact because we've played some good cricket today and we've put England under some pressure.
"But all that can be undone very quickly if we have a bad session first up tomorrow so our focus will be to make the first hour a good one then take the game from there."
Clark finished with three for 49 from 15.1 overs as Australia's seamers ripped through the English batting.
The tourists had bowled Australia out for just 244 on the first day but fell 29 short of the home team's total after losing their last eight wickets for 160.
Clark said: "They batted well there towards the end there but the ball was doing a little bit, especially when it was hard so if we got it in the right spot we were always going to be in the game."
Kevin Pietersen top-scored with an adventurous 70 and opener Andrew Strauss made a patient 42 but none of England's other recognised batsman made more than 15.
England's dismal total would have been even worse had tailenders Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar not added 40 for the last wicket.
Pietersen said: "If we make Australia claw and battle for every single run then who knows, we could still claw this back."
He added: "Our bowlers did fantastically well (on day one) and the big plus was Steve Harmison coming in and bowling like he did.
"Hopefully if Stevie hits his straps (bowls well) tomorrow and we make them grovel for every run who knows?"
- REUTERS
