There's a storm brewing, the dark clouds are gathering, and the umpires take the players off.

Image source, @kentcricket

Kalika Mehta
BBC Sport at Canterbury

“The heavy sounds of thunder can be heard and the huge trees in the Nackington End are swaying considerably.

“The crowd are bracing themselves for the incoming rain.”

The umpires are concerned about the elements - meeting for a couple of chats but deciding to play on. For now.

Ellyse Perry times the ball better than a Swiss watch, leaning into a cover drive which brings three off Katherine Brunt. Would have been four but for the slow outfield. Nicole Bolton, after helping advance the score with four leg-byes, then does superbly well to dig out a yorker.

Ellyse Perry is some player... heading into this Test she had a batting average of 40 and a bowling average of 20. Those are serious stats.

Maiden over sent down by Anya Shrubsole.

Sky Sports are covering this match live, and they've had to turn down the stump microphone when the animated Katherine Brunt is bowling. She's throwing a few wise words in the direction of the Aussies too. She's not too impressed when hit for four by Ellyse Perry though...

BBC Test Match Special's Jim Maxwell is impressed by Katherine Brunt's performance so far.

Anya Shrubsole is pushing the ball across the left-handed Nicole Bolton. Is she setting up the opener for a straight one? Yep... she tries it but it's down the leg side. Not straight enough. Maiden over.

Katherine Brunt is bowling at close to 72mph - she's the fastest on show in this match - and Ellyse Perry does well to dig out a yorker. Game on.

Ebony Rainford-Brent
Ex-England batter on BBC Test Match Special

Image source, Getty Images

"It was a brilliant ball from Katherine Brunt to take the first wicket. She set it up nicely by getting the ball to shape away and then with the next delivery, up the hill, she got it to come back slightly into Villani.

"For the second wicket, Brunt again used the slope and she is using the conditions very well. My initial thought was that it was a bit high but at second look it is the right decision and the ball has hit Lanning just above the knee-roll.

"If someone is going to lead the charge then it would be Brunt. We saw how she used her aggression and energy yesterday and now Australia are in a bit of a pickle."

Australia are up and running when Nicole Bolton helps herself to a couple down to third man. It's very murky out there in Canterbury and the floodlights are shining brightly. 

The celebration when Katherine Brunt took that wicket was superb. Cheers, screams, fist-pumps... the lot! A pure competitor. The type of person who wouldn't let a 6-year-old beat her when playing a board game. And exactly what has made her one of the world's best female cricketers.

John Baxter:  Favourite left-armer was always Ashley Giles.