England’s lower order produced an unexpected and highly spirited fightback on Day 2 of the first Ashes Test in Perth, as Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse stitched together a crucial 50-run partnership for the eighth wicket. The stand came at a time when Australia had ripped through England’s top and middle order, reducing them to 104/7 and threatening to wrap up the innings swiftly.
Atkinson, batting with remarkable freedom, raced to 36 off 26 balls with two fours and two sixes, while Carse complemented him brilliantly with 20 off 19 deliveries, striking a four and a six of his own. The pair counterattacked Australia’s short-ball strategy, especially against Mitchell Starc, who had already completed his 10-wicket match haul earlier in the session.
Starc and Doggett continued pounding the surface with pace and aggressive lengths, but England’s tailenders refused to surrender, turning the pressure back on Australia. Boundaries began to flow, with Atkinson hammering Starc for two massive sixes, forcing the Australian fielders deeper and momentarily shifting the momentum.
The partnership, now the highest of England’s innings, lifted them to 154/7 in 32.5 overs, stretching the lead to 194 runs—a figure that could play a significant role as this Test progresses on a pitch that has offered consistent movement and sharp bounce.
With overs left in the session and Australia searching desperately for a breakthrough, this unexpected resistance from England’s No. 8 and No. 9 has kept the visitors firmly in control of the match narrative.