Australia tightened their grip on the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, finishing Day 2 with a handy 44-run lead after powering their way to 378 for 6 under the lights at the Gabba. Jake Weatherald and Steve Smith set the tone with composed half-centuries, ensuring the hosts surged past England’s first-innings 334 in front of a lively crowd on a humid evening. The advantage could prove vital with the pitch expected to wear as the match moves into its later stages. Alex Carey survived two early chances to remain unbeaten on 46 at stumps, while Michael Neser closed the day on 15. England’s seamers caused some trouble under the lights, yet the visitors lacked consistency and paid for a series of loose balls and dropped catches. Australia struck 51 boundaries during an assertive day with the bat.
Weatherald, playing only his second Test, showcased confidence from the outset. He cracked 12 fours and a six in a brisk innings before Jofra Archer pinned him lbw with a clever yorker. Marnus Labuschagne continued his strong run of domestic and international form, striking 65 before edging Ben Stokes to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Australia were comfortably placed at 291 for 3 when Brydon Carse sparked an unexpected swing in momentum. In the space of four deliveries, the fast bowler removed Cameron Green for 45 and then delivered a huge moment for England by dismissing Smith on 61. Will Jacks held the catch at backward square after Smith miscued a hook shot. Travis Head, who blasted a match-winning century in Perth during the first Test, was far more controlled this time. He scored 33 before falling to Gus Atkinson via Carse’s bowling late in the afternoon session. England began the day at 325 for 9 and were dismissed within minutes of play resuming. Joe Root added nine more runs to finish unbeaten on 138, completing a superb innings that rescued England after they collapsed to 5 for 2 on Day 1. Jofra Archer’s spirited 38 ended when Labuschagne completed a diving catch in the deep to wrap up the innings. Mitchell Starc led Australia’s bowling effort with 6 for 75. Weatherald launched Australia’s reply with a flurry of attractive drives as the fast outfield rewarded clean striking. He reached fifty from just 45 deliveries, capitalising on England’s erratic lines before Archer’s yorker ended his stay. Labuschagne picked up where the opener left off, pushing Australia forward with another polished half-century featuring ten boundaries. Smith then kept the scoreboard moving, bringing up his 44th Test fifty with a range of well-timed strokes. He looked set for a big hundred before Carse struck again to lift England’s spirits. Even so, Australia marched to a solid lead by stumps, setting up another pivotal day ahead in Brisbane.
