Australia and England are locked in a tense battle in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, with Day 3 poised to be pivotal. Australia ended Day 2 with a 44-run lead and are 378/6 in their second innings.

England's Joe Root scored his first century on Australian soil, finishing with a composed 138 not out. However, Mitchell Starc took 6-75, helping to dismiss England in the second over of the day after they resumed on 325-9. Marnus Labuschagne said that Australia were happy with their position and stressed the importance of ending the day with wickets in hand.

Australia's batting performance was defined by aggressive opener Jake Weatherald, who set the tempo with a brisk 72 off 78 balls. Steve Smith contributed a solid 61. At the close of play, Alex Carey was not out on 46, with Michael Neser on 15. Carey reached his half-century in 52 balls.

Brydon Carse gave England a glimmer of hope by dismissing Cameron Green (45) and Steve Smith (61) in quick succession. Despite an expensive spell overall, Carse's use of short-ball tactics paid off, disrupting Australia's momentum. According to Labuschagne, Weatherald and Head set an early tempo, which allowed the rest of the batting group to stay positive.

England's bowlers struggled with consistency, delivering too many loose balls, and the fielders dropped four catches. Ben Stokes bowled a probing spell and dismissed Josh Inglis.

Looking ahead to Day 3, Australia will aim to extend their lead, while England will seek to quickly wrap up the Australian innings. The pitch is expected to deteriorate, making any lead a potentially significant advantage.