Ashes 2025-26 : Steve Smith takes a stunning low catch to dismiss Ben Duckett on Day 2 of the Perth Test

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The opening Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series between Australia and England commenced at the iconic Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21, 2025, delivering high-intensity cricket that saw momentum swings and dramatic moments. England, having been bowled out for 172 in their first innings thanks to an outstanding 7-wicket haul by Mitchell Starc, battled the Australian bowling attack with promise but stumbled on Day 2 as Australia fought back fiercely. The Perth wicket, known for offering assistance to pacers, played its role well in shaping the early course of this Ashes clash.

On Day 2, early in the second session at ball 16.2, Scott Boland delivered a superb back-of-a-length ball outside off stump to England’s Ben Duckett. The ball took the edge, and Duckett, attempting to navigate the challenging bowling, was caught low and sharp by Steve Smith at second slip. Smith did not commit any mistake as he grabbed the catch cleanly with fingers underneath the ball and celebrated the breakthrough emphatically. This dismissal ended Duckett’s innings at 28 runs off 40 balls, with three boundaries, marking Boland’s first wicket of the Test. At that point, England’s score was 65 for 2, with a lead of 105 runs.

This moment underscored Smith’s agility and sharp reflexes in the slips, contributing significantly to Australia’s fightback after England’s relatively strong position early in the innings. Smith’s catch was pivotal in triggering further pressure on England’s middle order, who soon found themselves struggling against hostile Australian bowling.

Steve Smith grabs a lowey on Day 2 of the Ashes opener

— Aatish Kapoor the oscar winner (@AkashThapa2505) November 22, 2025

Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc plucks a screamer to remove Zak Crawley for another duck on Day 2 of the Perth Test

England’s innings journey on Day 2 was a tale of fluctuating fortunes that ultimately tilted in Australia’s favour. After a steady start that took them to 59 for 1 by lunch, England’s middle order wobbled significantly against a hostile and disciplined Australian attack led by Boland and Starc. The visitors faced sharp pace, bounce, and seam movement, and their batting lineup faltered under the building pressure.

Starc continued his ruthless bowling spree, picking up multiple wickets and exploiting cracks in England’s defense, while Boland bowled economically, creating pressure with maiden overs and inducing edges. The collapse was highlighted by the dismissal of key batters including Ollie Pope (33 runs) and Joe Root (8 runs), as England fell to 83 for 5. The partnership between Duckett and Pope had briefly steadied the ship with a 50-run stand but was broken with wickets falling in quick succession after lunch.

England’s top and middle order could not capitalize on their lead after bowling Australia out for 132 in their first innings. The visitors’ fragile batting on a lively Perth surface left them under pressure to rebuild and score crucial runs to assert control in the Test. Eventually, England in their second innings were bundled out and gave a target of 205 to Australia as the battle for supremacy in the first Ashes Test continues to intensify.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes rescues England against Australia after Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell as 19 wickets fall on Day 1 of Perth Test