Perth [Australia], November 22 (ANI): After Australia was bundled out for 132 in response to England's first innings total of 172, a half-century stand between Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett put England in front with a 99-run lead at the end of the first session on day two of the first Ashes Test at Perth's Optus Stadium on Saturday.

At the end of the session's play, England was 59/1, with Duckett (28*) and Pope (24*) unbeaten.

Earlier, Australia started the day two at 123/9, with Brendan Doggett and Nathan Lyon on the crease, unbeaten at 3* and 0* respectively.

Lyon and Doggett rotated strike to eat further into the deficit, but a fine catch from Ben Duckett at gully ended Australia's inning at 132 in 45.2 overs, and they trailed by 40 runs.

Skipper Ben Stokes (5/23) was the leading wicke

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