Pitch cruels England in Hazlewood's first-ball beauty

Josh Hazlewood made the most of the pitch dramas that overshadowed the third Ashes Test by removing Jonny Bairstow with a brutal delivery.

Leaky covers created several wet spots on the WACA pitch and caused the final day to be delayed by two-and-a-half hours on Monday.

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When play finally did get underway, Hazlewood dealt the tourists another huge blow after skittling Bairstow (14) with his first ball.

The delivery looked as if it hit a wet patch on the pitch as it stayed low and stunned the England wicketkeeper with a distinct lack of bounce.

Bairstow's dismissal left England reeling at 5-133, sparking their eventual loss by an innings and 41 runs.

Before play got underway, England coach Trevor Bayliss questioned whether the WACA Ground was fit for cricket due to the wet spots on the pitch.

As ground staff were accused of a "cock-up", Bayliss - speaking before umpires cleared play to resume - said the leaking covers had made the pitch dangerous.

"If the wicket isn't in the same place as it was yesterday, it makes batting more difficult and maybe a bit more dangerous," Bayliss told ABC radio.

"A few of those (wet) spots are right on a length.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann said the situation was "not ideal".

"You don't want these things to happen in Test match venues," he told ABC radio.

Umpire Marais Erasmus said there "was a bit of leakage overnight" in the covers.

Ground staff used blower vacuums in a bid to dry several damp patches on the pitch.

A ground staffer was also blown over by strong winds which are further troubling the dozen or so groundsmen who have earnt the wrath of several commentators.

"They cocked up," English great Geoff Boycott said on the BBC.

"It's their job to make sure it's secure, it's as simple as that. They have made a big, big error."