Women Ashes 2017-18, Day 2: Australia trail by 103 runs in evenly poised day-night Test

Ellyse Perry's unbeaten 70 have kept Australia women's hopes alive at North Sydney Oval, Sydney.

Resuming at 235 for 7, England Women added 45 runs to fold their first innings for 280. In reply, Australia Women find themselves at 177 for 5 on a tricky surface under lights at North Sydney Oval, Sydney. Australian batsmen got starts but kept on losing wickets, which meant the match is evenly poised. Ellyse Perry’s unbeaten 70 have kept their hopes alive, and will have to bat for long to come close to England’s total.

England needed their tail to wag, and get them close to the 300-run mark. Contributions from Fran Wilson, Laura Marsh and Anya Shrubsole propelled their score over 250. Ellyse was the most successful with a 3-for and was supported by Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen.

In reply, Nicole Bolton and Beth Mooney put on a 48-run opening stand. However, Australia were soon reduced to 61 for 3. Ellyse and Rachael Haynes resurrected the innings and added 73 runs. Just when they were looking set to end the day’s play without any further damage, Rachael departed.

While Australians showed resistance from the first ball, England have kept their chances alive by striking at regular intervals. With the surface doing a bit as well, both sides have a chance in the contest.

Day Three will determine the outcome of the match. England will press hard to earn a vital lead, whereas hosts’ lower order need to stand up to curtail the deficit.

Brief scores

England women 280 (Tammy Beaumont 70, Heather Knight 62, Sarah Taylo 29; Eyllse Perry 3 for 59, Jess Jonassen 2 for 52) lead Australia women 177 for 5 (Nicole Bolton 24, Beth Mooney 27, Eyllse Perry 70*, Rachael Haynes 33; Sophie Ecclestone 2 for 51) by 103 runs.