England Extends Lead to 99 Runs Against Australia in Ashes Opener

England reached 59 for 1 at lunch on day two of the first Ashes Test in Perth, extending their lead over Australia to 99 runs on Saturday. The home team’s pace attack struggled to make significant inroads early in England’s third innings, with the visitors looking to build on their advantage.

Australia’s innings ended at 132 all out, adding only nine runs to their overnight total. Tailender Brendan Doggett remained unbeaten, while seamer Brydon Carse claimed 3 for 45, sending Nathan Lyon back to the pavilion for just four runs, caught by Ben Duckett at gully. Day one saw an extraordinary display of fast bowling, with players from both sides combining for 19 wickets. Australia’s Mitchell Starc stood out, registering 7 for 58 as he helped dismiss England for 172 runs. In response, visiting captain Ben Stokes delivered a stunning performance, taking 5 for 23 to disrupt the Australian batting lineup.

England’s Zak Crawley once again fell to Starc for a duck in the first over, marking a dismal start for the opener. Starc executed a spectacular left-handed diving catch during his follow-through to claim the wicket. With fellow fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injury, Starc’s role has become even more pivotal. Meanwhile, Scott Boland struggled to make any breakthroughs, further burdening Starc.

Despite the early setbacks, Duckett found some fortune when a thick edge off Starc’s bowling sailed through the gap between slips and gully for a boundary. Duckett finished the session on 28 not out, while number three batsman Ollie Pope contributed a solid 24 not out. Aside from a close leg-before-wicket appeal by Boland right before lunch—one that Duckett successfully overturned on review—the two batsmen maintained a brisk run rate of nearly four runs per over, rotating the strike effectively.

As the match continues, England will be keen to capitalize on their lead, while Australia will look to regroup and find ways to penetrate the visiting batting order. With the Ashes series set in motion, both teams have demonstrated their capabilities, setting the stage for a thrilling contest ahead.