England finally got the breakthrough they were desperate for, as Brydon Carse dismissed Jake Weatherald to end a fast-moving opening partnership in Australia’s chase of 205 on Day 2 of the first Ashes Test in Perth.

Weatherald, who had looked composed and positive at the top, fell for 23 off 34 balls, handing England their first wicket of the innings after a flurry of boundaries from both him and Travis Head. Australia, cruising at one stage, were 75/1 in 11.4 overs when Carse struck.

The dismissal came from a well-directed back-of-a-length delivery, angled in from around the wicket. Weatherald attempted to whip it into the leg side but was cramped for room. With his bat face closed, the ball caught the leading edge and ballooned towards cover, where Ben Duckett completed a simple catch. The bounce stayed lower than Weatherald anticipated, contributing to his miscue.

Carse, who had been expensive in his earlier spells, redeemed himself with the breakthrough England needed to halt Australia’s rapid start. Head, meanwhile, continues to attack, already racing into the forties as Australia now need 130 more runs to win the Test.

This wicket also brings Marnus Labuschagne to the crease, setting up a crucial phase in the match as England look to build pressure with an ageing ball and a modest total on the board.