Australian captain Ricky Ponting is looking to bat his way to the Ashes on the third day of the third Test at the WACA ground.

Australia resumes its second innings on 1-119, with Ponting and Matthew Hayden both 57 not out after Justin Langer was bowled by the first ball of the innings.

Hayden's fist pump as he and his skipper ran from the field after sharing an unbroken century stand showed Australia's determination to finish the job.

Australia has an overall lead of 148 with nine wickets in hand and is poised to complete a 3-0 series victory to regain the Ashes.

Ponting has passed the 500-run mark before the halfway point of the series and is looking to set England a target of at least 300 in the fourth innings.

Fine hot weather with temperatures up to 36 degrees are forecast for the weekend.

On Friday England was bowled out for 215, with only a belligerent 70 from Kevin Pietersen rescuing the tourists from a rout.

Stuart Clark continued to be the lead bowler for Australia with 3-49, taking his series haul to 16.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP