Day two of the second Ashes Test England vs Australia at the Gabba was full of excitement, fast scoring, and big momentum swings. By the end of the day, Australia had taken clear control of the match. Their aggressive batting, helped them move past England first-innings total of 334 and finish strongly at 378/6, giving them a 44-run lead heading into Day 3.
England began the day on 325/9, They managed add nine runs . Joe Root, who had played a brilliant knock of 138 not out, was left stranded as the last man, Jofra Archer, was dismissed. Archer tried to hit a short ball from Brendan Doggett over mid-wicket, but Marnus Labuschagne jumped high and took a stunning catch.
Mitchell Starc was stand out bowler for Australia takes 6/75 while Micheal Neser , Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett gets one wicket each.
Australia innings began with a strong approach. Jake Weatherald and Travis Head came out with clear intent to score quickly.
Head got an early life when Smith dropped caught behind the stumps off Archer bowling. He took advantage for a short while, hitting a six and a four, but he did not last long. Brydon Carse dismissed him on 33, caught by Gus Atkinson.
after Head wicket, Weatherald continued with high confidence. He reached his maiden Test fifty off just 45 balls, hitting boundaries with ease and putting pressure on England bowlers. By the tea break, Australia were racing at 130/1, showing complete control.
Weatherald then built the partnership with Labuschagne, rotating strike and punishing losse deliveries . The 69 runs partnership ended when Jofra Archer bowled a brilliant yorker that trapped Weatherald LBW. Weatherald made a superb 72 runs off 78 balls, which included 12 fours and a six.
After Weatherald and Head were dismissed, Australia reliable pair—Labuschagne and captain Steven Smith—took charge. Marnus Labuschagne dismissed by Ben Stokes when try to play cut short and Jamie Smith took a catch behind the stumps, sending Labuschagne back for 65. Australia were 196/3 at that stage.
Smith then formed another important partnership, with Cameron Green. Smith played his usual mix of caution and smart aggression, while Green played more freely, attacking short and wide deliveries. Together, they added 95 crucial runs for the fourth wicket, pushing Australia into a strong position.
Smith reached his 44th Test fifty before Brydon Carse dismissed Green for 45 and then removed Smith for 61 shortly afterward. Smith was caught at gully by Will Jacks, giving England pulling the game back.
While Ben Stokes removed dangerous Josh Inglis on 23 .At that point, England sensed an opportunity. With the pink ball under the lights, they could have applied real pressure and possibly reduced the Aussie lead.
They dropped four catches in the final session, including an easy chance off Alex Carey on the very first ball after the break. These missed opportunities proved costly. Carey, after being dropped, settled in confidently.
Carey and Michael Neser then built an unbeaten partnership, frustrating the English attack and steadily pushing Australia into the lead. Carey ended the day unbeaten on 46, showing calmness and composure, while Neser supported him well with 15 not out.
For England Brydon Carse was picked up the bowler today took 3/113 and Ben Stokes got 2 wickets, while one wicket for Jofra Archer.
England vs Australia Match summary
England 1st innings innings : 334/10 in 76.2 overs
Top scorer : Joe Root unbeaten 138 runs off 206 balls, Zak Crawley 76 runs off 93 deliveries
Top Bowler : Mitchell Starc 6/75 in 20 overs, Michael Neser 1/43 in 14 overs
Australia 1st innings : 378/6 in 73 overs at the end of day 2
Top scorer : Jack Weatherald 72 runs off 78 deliveries, Marnus Labuschagne 65 runs off 78 balls
Top Bowler : Brydon Carse 3/113 in 17 overs, Ben Stokes 2/93 in 17 overs