Ashes 2017: Craig Overton suffers broken rib during third Test as England see lead evaporate due to Steve Smith heroics

England seam bowler was struck in the ribs during the second Test in Adelaide and appeared to aggravate the injury on day two of the third Test

Craig Overton grimaces after suffering a broken rib in the third Test against Australia (Getty)

England have confirmed Craig Overton has a hairline cracked rib.

The seamer was passed fit to bowl for England on day three of the third Ashes Test in Perth, after taking pain-killers.

He hurt himself the previous afternoon when he dived to his left to try to take a caught-and-bowled chance, having also been struck a painful blow to the ribs while batting in England's second-Test defeat in Adelaide.

Overton underwent scans before Australia resumed their innings at the Waca.

England hope he will be able to bowl through the remainder of the match, but his injury will be reassessed.

The tourists also saw their first-innings lead evaporate on day three as Australia captain Steve Smith passed his double-century, with ample support from the recalled Mitchell Marsh in his maiden Test century helping Australia cruise past England’s total of 403 having lost just four wickets.

England need to beat Australia to have any hope of winning the Ashes, while a draw would see them able to retain the Urn providing they win the remaining two Tests.

PA