Brisbane, Australia - England's missed opportunities with both bat and ball allowed Australia to seize control on Day 2 of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. Australia finished the day on 378-6, a lead of 44 runs, after England were earlier dismissed for 334.
England resumed their first innings on 325-9, with Joe Root unbeaten on a masterful 135. Root, who finally conquered his Australian hoodoo by scoring his first century Down Under, could only add nine more runs to his overnight score before he was spectacularly caught by Marnus Labuschagne. The dismissal ended a valuable 70-run partnership for the last wicket. Mitchell Starc finished with figures of 6-75.
Australia's batting innings was anchored by aggressive opener Jake Weatherald and veteran Steve Smith, while Marnus Labuschagne provided stability in the middle order. Weatherald, playing in only his second Test, impressed with 12 fours and a six before falling lbw to Jofra Archer for 65. Labuschagne contributed a composed 65 before edging a ball from Ben Stokes. Travis Head, who replaced the injured Usman Khawaja, managed 33. At the end of the day, Alex Carey remained unbeaten on 46, alongside Michael Neser on 15.
England's bowlers struggled to maintain discipline, conceding 51 boundaries and dropping four catches, which proved costly. Brydon Carse's short-ball tactics did spark a brief revival, but Australia's batsmen were able to consolidate their position. Despite Starc's efforts with the ball, England's Joe Root and Jofra Archer managed to add 61 runs for the tenth wicket, providing some late resistance.
The Australian bowlers were able to exploit the conditions, while the Australian fielders took their chances. Marnus Labuschagne expressed his satisfaction with his catch, highlighting the team's specific training for catching under lights at the Gabba with the pink ball.
Looking ahead, Australia will aim to build on their lead and put further pressure on England on a pitch that is expected to deteriorate. England, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to restrict Australia's scoring and create opportunities to get back into the game.
