Bairstow delight at bagging first Ashes century

Australia reach 203 for three at stumps.

Bairstow said: “I’m delighted to get my first Ashes hundred. It’s something as a boy you really want to do.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play in a few Ashes series now to get it at the WACA, away from home, means a heck of a lot.”

The 28-year-old wicketkeeperbatsman completed his hundred in 185 balls, triggering a cheeky celebration as he followed several punches of the air with a headbutt for the helmet he had just shed.

The reference to his unconventional greeting for Australia opener Cameron Bancroft, in a Perth bar seven weeks ago, was lost on no-one in the ground and Bairstow enjoyed the moment.

“There’s always some feeling, just a bit of light fun, and that’s exactly how it should be taken,” Bairstow said of the celebration. “There’s a huge amount of passion within the game - that’s been throughout the series.”

Asked whether England had targeted more than 403, he said: “Potentially we could have kicked on and got a few more than that. It’s something to say we got 400. After being 100 for four, I think we’d have taken that.

“They played pretty well and the morning is a crucial session for us, to try to keep them out there for as long as possible and scoring at a rate we’re comfortable with.

“At end of the day (on Saturday), who knows what could have happened?

“They obviously took six wickets in the morning session there’s no reason we can’t. The wicket’s offering a decent amount as well.

“If we get it in the right areas, with the skills the boys have shown throughout the series, there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.”

Bairstow said England would