Perry lights up rain-hit day with second century on the trot

Until two years ago Perry had not scored a single international century. In 10 years of international cricket, the right-hander had four scores in the 90s, narrowly missing out on possible centuries on a number of occasions. Come 2017, Perry posted her maiden hundred-- a double, at that-- and two years later, in 2019, she has three to her credit. Her innings in Taunton has put Australia in a comfortable position to retain the Ashes.
England bowlers failed to get a breakthrough in the first hour and a half as Perry and Rachael Haynes started confidently. As was the case on the opening day, the hosts failed to grab the chances that came their way. Haynes offered up a catch on 66, but Sophie Ecclestone failed to hang on. A run-out chance was created that could have sent back Perry but that also went to waste.
The pair shared a partnership of 162 that was finally broken when Perry was dismissed for 116 coming down the track to Laura Marsh. Haynes continued from where she left and was looking set to get her maiden ton but eventfully was fell for 87, LBW to Marsh. The left-hander, however, was a tad unlucky, as replays showed evidence of the ball having brushed her glove--reopening the DRS debate.
Marsh was the most impressive bowler for the hosts on day two. She picked up two wickets for 68 runs to keep England in the game.
No play was possible after the first session as rain played spoilsport. Jess Jonassen (4*) and Beth Mooney (7*) were unbeaten at the end of the day.