Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith struck authoritative half-centuries as Australia capitalised on England’s inconsistent bowling before a late evening surge under lights kept the second Test delicately poised. Australia closed day two at 378/6, holding a 44-run lead in a frenetic pink-ball contest at the Gabba.
Earlier, England extended their overnight 325/9 to a handy 334, with Joe Root finishing unbeaten on 138 and Jofra Archer adding a brisk 38 in a 70-run tenth-wicket stand. Archer eventually flicked Brendan Doggett to deep backward square, where Marnus Labuschagne held a diving catch.
Weatherald Ignites Australia After Slow Start
Australia began cautiously before Jake Weatherald launched a sharp counterattack. The left-hander hammered nine fours and a six on his way to a 45-ball fifty, adding 77 runs in just 10 overs with Travis Head.
England dropped Head early, one of several missed chances, allowing him to reach 39 before Brydon Carse removed him. Root admitted the lapses cost England momentum.
It’s clear we weren’t our best in that phase. But the way we dragged things back by taking wickets in a cluster shows what this game can be like, especially with the pink ball.
On the dropped catches, Root said the team had put in the preparation: “We practice really hard, especially for floodlit cricket. It’s just one of those days where a few didn’t stick. We’ve got to stay confident and be ready when those chances come again.”
Weatherald’s bright innings ended on 72 when an Archer yorker thudded into his right big toe.
Labuschagne Back at No.3, Back in Control
Returning to his preferred No.3 spot, Labuschagne looked composed and authoritative. He moved briskly to a half-century and took Australia to 130/1 at tea before edging a cut shot off Stokes to Jamie Smith for 65 off 77 balls.
Smith Surges, Green Supports
Steve Smith then shifted gears dramatically, surviving a blow on the forearm before racing from 36 to 50 in eight balls. He peppered the off-side, upper-cutting Archer for six and putting on a flowing 95-run stand with Cameron Green.
Green fell for 45, bowled by Carse as he backed away to open the off side, and Smith departed three balls later for 61, caught brilliantly by Will Jacks at backward square.
Carey and Neser Steady the Ship
England sensed momentum late in the session, but Alex Carey (46*) and Michael Neser (15*) rebuilt calmly, riding their luck after both survived dropped chances. Their unbroken 49-run stand pushed Australia to 378/6, giving the hosts a 44-run lead at stumps.
Root: “Knock Them Over Early and We’re in a Strong Position”
If we get things right in the morning and go about it properly as a team, we can put ourselves in a strong position on a wicket that looks like it’s starting to crack. Tomorrow morning is crucial, we need to get it right.
The match now heads into day three delicately poised.
Brief Scores: England 334 all out in 76.2 overs (Joe Root 138*, Jofra Archer 38; Mitchell Starc 6-75) Australia 378/6 in 73 overs (Jake Weatherald 72, Marnus Labuschagne 65, Steve Smith 61; Brydon Carse 3-113, Ben Stokes 2-93) Australia lead by 44 runs.
