Australia Dominates Day 3 of Second Ashes Test Against England
Australia Takes Command at Tea on Day 3
In the ongoing Second Ashes Test at the Gabba, Australia showcased their dominance by reaching 450/8 in 99 overs, establishing a 116-run lead at Tea on Day 3. Mitchell Starc remained unbeaten at 46, alongside Scott Boland, who was on 7.
Resuming their innings at 378/6, wicketkeeper Alex Carey (46) and Michael Neser (15) quickly added 50 runs for the seventh wicket, achieving this milestone on the second ball of the 74th over. Carey reached his half-century in just 52 balls during the 77th over, but England's captain Ben Stokes dismissed Neser for 16, breaking the partnership. Starc joined Carey and aggressively targeted the England bowlers, hitting two fours off Brydon Carse in the 79th over. Following the 80th over, England opted for the second new ball. Carey, who had anchored the innings, was dismissed for 63 by Gus Atkinson on the last ball of the 83rd over. Starc and Boland played cautiously against the new ball, with Starc facing most deliveries to protect Boland. Australia's lead surpassed 100 runs as Starc struck two consecutive fours in the 96th over against Carse, allowing both batters to maintain their positions as Australia entered the Tea break in a strong position.
Recap of Day 2: Australia Gains Control
On Day 2 at the Gabba, Australia firmly established control of the second Ashes Test. Key contributions from opener Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and captain Steve Smith led Australia to a total of 378/6 by the end of the day, giving them a 44-run lead over England.
Joe Root, who played a pivotal role with a brilliant century, was left not out at 138 as Jofra Archer was dismissed by a stunning diving catch from Labuschagne off Brendan Doggett's bowling. Mitchell Starc delivered an impressive performance, finishing with figures of 6/75, while England concluded their innings at 334.
Weatherald's Aggressive Start
Australia's response was anything but cautious. Openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head quickly signaled their intent with a rapid counter-attack that unsettled the English bowlers. Weatherald, in particular, was aggressive, reaching his maiden Test fifty in no time. His approach set the tone for the innings, with the scoring rate consistently around five runs per over. The opening partnership of 77 provided a solid foundation before Head (33) fell to Brydon Carse. Weatherald's impressive innings ended at 72 off just 78 balls due to a yorker from Jofra Archer, but the damage was already significant.
Smith and Labuschagne's Contributions
The middle order continued to capitalize on the momentum. Captain Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne appeared comfortable against the English bowlers, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. Both players converted their starts into substantial half-centuries, ensuring Australia not only consolidated but also rapidly chased down England's first-innings total. Labuschagne was particularly aggressive, hitting nine fours and a six in his impactful 65 before being caught behind off Ben Stokes.
Carse's Key Wickets Slow Australia
In the final session, England managed to slow Australia's scoring rate under the lights, thanks to Brydon Carse. He took two crucial wickets in one over, dismissing Cameron Green for 45 and then Steve Smith for 61. However, Alex Carey (46*) and Michael Neser (15*) steadied the innings, guiding Australia to 378/6 and a 44-run lead by the end of the day.
As Day 3 unfolds, Australia aims to extend their advantage, while England seeks quick wickets to remain competitive.
Summary of Scores
Brief Scores: England 334 (Zak Crawley 76, Joe Root 138, Mitchell Starc 6/75) vs Australia 450/8 (Jake Weatherald 72, Mitchell Starc 46*).