Australia Dominates Day 2 of the Second Ashes Test at Gabba
Australia Takes Charge in Second Ashes Test
Brisbane [Australia], December 5: On Day 2 of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, Australia firmly established their dominance. Key contributions from opener Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and captain Steve Smith propelled Australia to a score of 378/6, giving them a 44-run lead over England by the end of the day.
At the close of play, Alex Carey was unbeaten on 46, while Michael Neser contributed 15 runs as the stumps were drawn.
The morning session was challenging for England, who could only add nine runs to their overnight score before losing their last wicket. Joe Root, who had played a stellar innings, remained not out at 138 as Jofra Archer was caught brilliantly by Labuschagne off Brendan Doggett's bowling. Mitchell Starc delivered an impressive performance, finishing with figures of 6/75, as England concluded their innings at 334.
Australia's response was aggressive from the outset. Openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head quickly set the tone with a brisk counter-attack that unsettled the English bowlers. Weatherald, in particular, was in fine form, reaching his first Test fifty in no time. His attacking style helped maintain a scoring rate close to five runs per over. The opening partnership of 77 laid a solid foundation before Head was dismissed for 33 by Brydon Carse. Weatherald's impressive innings came to an end at 72 off just 78 balls, bowled out by a yorker from Jofra Archer, but the damage was already significant.
The middle order continued to capitalize on the strong start. Both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne appeared at ease against the English bowlers, rotating the strike effectively and punishing any loose deliveries. Both players converted their starts into substantial half-centuries, ensuring Australia not only consolidated but also quickly surpassed England's first-innings total. Labuschagne was particularly aggressive, scoring 65 with nine fours and a six before being caught behind off Ben Stokes.
In the final session, England managed to slow down Australia's scoring, thanks to Brydon Carse, who took two crucial wickets in one over, dismissing Cameron Green for 45 and Steve Smith for 61. However, Alex Carey (46*) and Michael Neser (15*) steadied the innings, leading Australia to 378/6 by stumps. As Day 3 approaches, Australia aims to extend their lead, while England seeks early breakthroughs to stay competitive.
After the day's play, Labuschagne emphasized the importance of the final hour, noting that finishing the day with only six wickets down allows Australia to build their innings effectively on Day 3. He praised the top-order for setting a positive tone, which the rest of the batting lineup followed.
Labuschagne remarked, "That was a crucial last hour for us to finish the day with six wickets down, giving us time to build our innings in the morning and push England's bowling later into the night. The boys played well, and while we let them in a bit during the middle session, it was a good day overall. The scoring rate wasn’t specifically discussed; it was more about the momentum that Heady and Weatherald created at the top, which the rest of us capitalized on."