The 28-year-old came into day two on 84 not out and took just under an hour and 41 deliveries to reach triple figures. 

Perry helped Australia build on their first-innings at Taunton’s County Ground, adding 66 runs in the first session to reach 5-341 at the break.

Unfortunately, she fell for 116 from 218 deliveries with Laura Marsh (2-68) getting the important breakthrough for England.

It is the second consecutive Test that Perry has surpassed 100. Two years ago she scored a double century at North Sydney Oval. 

Perry's 116 runs sees her become just the eighth Australian woman to score multiple Test centuries and just the fourth to score a century in consecutive innings.

Rain affected proceedings after lunch and despite clearing on several occasions and at one point a restart was even announced for 3.20pm local, the wet weather returned with the day’s play eventually called off at 5:19pm.

For Australia, as the current holders, a draw is enough for them to retain the Ashes for a third straight series.

An English victory looks unlikely with two days remaining.