The second session of the first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium saw Australia completely dismantle England, reducing the visitors to 172. Resuming at 105 for 4 after Lunch, England hoped to build a competitive total through captain Ben Stokes and Harry Brook. However, Mitchell Starc continued his fiery streak while, debutant Ben Doggett's effective spell of short stacked deliveries, took care of Harry Brook and Brydon Carse.
Harry Brook stood strong for England, reaching a brisk half-century off 58 balls, combining counter-attacking shots with calculated aggression, including a six over extra cover off Scott Boland. Despite his efforts, the lack of support from the other end eventually told.
Brook fell for 52, gloving a short ball down the leg side from debutant Brendan Doggett to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. The dismissal was initially given not out but was overturned upon review, handing Doggett his maiden Test wicket.
Following Brook's departure, the English innings unraveled quickly. Gus Atkinson edged a length ball from Starc to Steve Smith at second slip for just 1, giving Starc his 17th five-wicket haul in Tests.
Brydon Carse briefly tried to take on the short ball but was undone by Doggett, holing out to Marnus Labuschagne at deep backward square leg for 6 after being cowered by his short deliveries and having struck one on the helmet earlier.
Jamie Smith, who had struck five boundaries in his 29-run cameo, became Starc’s sixth victim when he mistimed a pull shot to Cameron Green at deep midwicket. Mark Wood followed immediately, caught by Carey off Starc for a duck, leaving England all out at 172. Starc ended the session with figures of 7 for 58, while Doggett impressed with 2 for 27.
The session was marred by an injury to Australian pacer Scott Boland, who limped off the field after tumbling near the boundary while attempting to stop a four. His absence forced Australia to rely heavily on Starc and Doggett, who rose to the occasion. England would come out motivated, having opted for four seamers that can challenge the hosts on a pitch offering pace and bounce.
