Australia's Ashes charge halted by constant rain

Ellyse Perry struck her second Test century, but few other highlights were possible on day two of the women’s Ashes Test in Taunton as wet weather ended any hope of play after the lunch break.

Perry’s brilliant 116 from 281 deliveries came as Australia built on their first-innings at Taunton’s County Ground, adding 66 runs in the first session to reach 5-341 at the break.

The rain cleared on several occasions and at one point a restart was even announced for 3.20pm local, only for the wet weather to return, with the day’s play eventually called off at 5:19pm.

Perry had resumed day two on 84 not out and took 54 minutes and 41 deliveries to reach triple figures – achieving the milestone with a dashed single following an England misfield.

Perry, ever low-key, simply grinned, removed her helmet and embraced non-striker Rachael Haynes before carrying on with her innings.

Just as she was looking to up the ante – Australia no doubt conscious of the forecast – her outstanding innings came to a somewhat tame end on 116 when she chipped a low full toss off Laura Marsh to Heather Knight at short mid-wicket.

A maiden international century beckoned for Haynes, only for the Australia vice-captain to be dismissed in contentious circumstances.

After resuming on 54, Haynes had moved along to 87 in the final half-hour of the first session when she was given out lbw – also to Marsh – ending her 246-ball vigil.

Cruelly, ultra-edge showed she had in fact gloved the ball, but with no DRS available for this series Haynes had no choice but to depart.

It was her second highest Test score, coming 10 years and nine days after she hit 98 on Test debut in Worcester – an innings which was also ended by the bowling of Marsh.

New batters Beth Mooney (7no) and Jess Jonassen (4no) the unbeaten duo at the close of play, with both teams hoping the rain forecast for Saturday won’t eventuate.

But it will be England who are most concerned by the rain, given they must win this four-day Test match to keep the series alive.

Australia need only draw the Test to retain the Ashes, as they currently hold a 6-0 lead in the points-based series after winning all three ODIs (worth two points apiece).

As the current holders, eight points will ensure the Ashes remain in Australian hands, while England must claim all four points on offer for the Test as well as winning all three T20Is, worth two apiece.

CommBank Ashes Tour of England

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Nicole Bolton, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham

England Test squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Kirstie Gordon, Amy Jones, Laura Marsh, Nat Sciver, Anya Shrubsole (vc), Lauren Winfield, Sarah Taylor

Australia lead England 6-0

First ODI: Australia won by two wickets

Second ODI: Australia won by four wickets

Third ODI:  Australia won by 194 runs

July 18-21: Only Test, The County Ground, Taunton

July 26: First T20, County Ground, Chelmsford

July 28: Second T20, The County Ground, Hove

July 31: Third T20, Bristol County Ground, Bristol