Perry stars as Australia hit back

Ellyse Perry's unbeaten 70 guided Australia to 177-5 at close of play on day two. 

Ellyse Perry has been the standout player of
the test match so far. 

After bowling England out for 280 early in the first session, Perry was also in on the wickets finishing with 3-59 as a flurry of late boundaries from England's tail edged them towards 300. 

The Aussies started slowly thanks to Laura Marsh (0-28) and Sophie Ecclestone (2-51) who on debut, took two quick wickets to leave them 61-3. 

With Perry being the standout, Australia edged towards matching the tourists first innings total, despite losing their fourth wicket (Elyse Villani) with less than 100 on the board. 

Apt support from captain Rachael Haynes (33) was also key to getting her side back into the test match, but Heather Knight trapped her lbw four overs before close of play. 

The hosts innings took a similar style to England's, with a slow start and a series of low scores that should have been turned into larger totals. 

With only two players staring with the bat for each side so far, the tourists will be hoping for a couple of early wickets tomorrow to ensure themselves of a first innings lead.