Australia took control on day two of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, dominating England with a relentless batting display on Friday. England’s performance was marred by five dropped catches.
Top-order batsmen Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), and Steve Smith (61) dismantled England’s first-innings total of 334, propelling Australia to 378 for six at stumps, with a lead of 44 runs.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey (46 not out) and tailender Michael Neser (15 not out) remained undefeated under the floodlights, aiming to extend Australia’s advantage on day three.
“That last hour was crucial,” commented Labuschagne, who secured his second fifty of the series.
“Ending the day with six wickets down gives us time in the morning and allows our bowlers to push into the night.”
England managed three wickets in the final session but spilled four crucial catches under the lights.
Ben Duckett dropped two, including a chance that spared Carey on zero. Shortly after, Josh Inglis (23) skied a shot through Duckett’s hands in the gully.
The errors continued as Carse dropped Neser on six, and Joe Root missed a one-handed chance from Carey at 25, denying Gus Atkinson his first series wicket.
England’s Jamie Smith set the day’s tone by dropping Travis Head on three. Head eventually fell for 33, attempting to slog Carse.
“We’ve practised hard,” Root said of England’s fielding woes. “We prepared well, but it was just one of those days.”
All-rounder Will Jacks provided a highlight with a diving catch to dismiss Smith when the Australian captain attempted a boundary shot.
England, dismissed for 334, added just nine runs to their overnight tally of 325 for nine. Archer was caught by Labuschagne for 38, leaving Root unbeaten on 138, his first century in Australia.
England’s optimism faded with their bowlers’ poor first session performance. Bowling short and wide, they failed to apply pressure, allowing Australia to score freely.
Australia raced to 130 for one at six runs an over by the first break, ending the day with a run-rate over five, demonstrating their own “Bazball” style.
Carse, though expensive, captured two wickets in quick succession, including Smith’s prized wicket, finishing with 3-113.
Ben Stokes made key dismissals, taking Labuschagne and Inglis, but his bowling was curtailed by cramp.
Trailing 1-0 after losing the Perth Test, England must dismiss Australia quickly on Saturday to stay competitive in the match and series.
“We have more to do tomorrow, but we’re very much in this game,” said Root.
