Ashes: England thrashed as Australia claim the urn after rain

England have suffered a humiliating innings defeat in the third Test as Australia claimed the Ashes at the first attempt.

The tourists' thrashing in Perth meant the hosts claimed their third successive victory to seal the five-match series.

The rain clouds had offered England hope of a final day washout. Credit: AP

Even the help of rain delays could not save Joe Root's team in what proved a desperate attempt to push for a draw.

Damp pitches had delayed the start of play by three hours but the resumption saw the familiar sight of England wickets falling as Australia's bowling attack once again dominated.

Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowlers on the final day as he took his innings wicket haul to five. Credit: PA

England batsman Dawid Malan passed the half-century mark on the fifth day but soon fell for 54 before the tail-enders were cheaply dismissed.

Australian wicket-keeper Tim Paine's winning catch of Chris Woakes off Pat Cummins' delivery meant Australia claimed victory by an innings and 41 runs.

The result now leaves England bidding to avoid a 5-0 series whitewash as they head to Melbourne and Sydney for the tour's final Tests.