England extended their advantage over Australia in the first Test at the Perth Stadium on Day 2, reaching 59/1 at lunch in their second innings after posting 172 in the first innings.
Australia, in reply to England’s 172, were all out for 132 in their first innings, giving the visitors a first-innings lead of 40 runs.
Australia’s innings was marked by early struggles against disciplined English bowling. Brydon Carse claimed the final wicket, dismissing Nathan Lyon (4) caught by BM Duckett, sealing Australia’s total at 132 in 45.2 overs.
Earlier, B Doggett was almost dismissed for 7, and Australia’s innings saw a few missed opportunities, including a tough catch off Mark Wood that would have sent Doggett back cheaply. Lyon, the experienced off-spinner, struggled to make an impact and fell cheaply, with Duckett holding a safe catch at gully.
England’s response in their second innings began on a shaky note as Zak Crawley was dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc in the first over, with Starc producing a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort to strike twice in the match so far.
Despite the early setback, Duckett and Ollie Pope took charge, putting together a crucial second-wicket partnership of 50 runs in 56 balls. Duckett showed exemplary timing and shot selection, hitting drives past the bowler, edges through the slip cordon, and aggressive cuts through the offside.
Pope complemented him with a boundary off a short and wide delivery from Doggett, displaying intent and composure.
Duckett also displayed sharp game awareness when he successfully reviewed an LBW decision, which had initially gone against him. The review overturned the umpire’s call, reinforcing England’s growing confidence at the crease.
At lunch, England stood at 59/1 in 15 overs, with Duckett on 28 and Pope on 24. The visitors are well-positioned to consolidate their first-innings lead of 40 runs and build a foundation for a commanding position in the Test.
Australia will look to regroup in the second session, with Starc and his pace attack showing early menace. England, meanwhile, aim to extend their advantage and apply pressure on the hosts as the match heads into the middle session.
