Sat Nov 22 03:00:00 UTC 2025: England Take Lead in Perth Test Despite Crawley’s Pair, Duckett Survives LBW Scare
Perth, Australia – England has established a 40-run lead in the first innings of the First Test against Australia at Perth, despite a shaky start to their second innings. Zak Crawley was dismissed for a duck for the second time in the match, courtesy of a stunning diving catch by Mitchell Starc off his own bowling in the first over.
Earlier in the day, England wrapped up the Australian innings for 132. Brydon Carse claimed the final wicket, dismissing Nathan Lyon, with Harry Brook taking the catch.
The morning session was not without drama. Joe Root suffered a minor injury scare during pre-match warm-ups, but was able to take the field. In Australia’s innings, Ollie Pope dropped a difficult chance at short leg, letting Brendan Doggett off the hook before Carse finally ended Australia’s resistance.
During England’s second innings, Ben Duckett survived an LBW decision against Scott Boland just before lunch. The umpire initially gave him out, but the decision was overturned on review, with ball-tracking showing the ball pitching outside leg. Duckett had previously received treatment after being struck on the elbow by Boland, adding to the tense atmosphere as the teams broke for lunch.
First Piper 