England face an uphill battle in the alternate Ashes Test after Australia took control following the first two days at The Gabba.
Ben Stokes’s side is 44 runs behind, with Alex Carey and Michael Neser still at the crease as the contest moves into day three.
It was a day of mixed fortunes for England. The Australians were led by strong knocks from Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, ultimately forging a big partnership with Cameron Green.
England did strike back compactly, with Brydon Carse’s disciplined bowling and a spectacular catch from Will Jacks offering a hint of stopgap.
Stokes also removed Josh Inglis, yet Australia’s lower order held firm, leaving the visitors to regroup ahead of a crucial third day.
Australia Extend Lead as England Seek Breakthroughs
By the close of play on day two, Australia were 377- 6, holding a 44-run advantage over England’s first innings aggregate of 334, which featured a remarkable 138 from Joe Root.
Carey’s composed 63 kept the Australian innings on track, and the hosts ultimately reached 446- 8, extending their lead to 112 runs.
Brydon Carse and Scott Boland impressed with the ball, maintaining pressure despite England’s chances going soliciting.
While Carse’s tight lines and Boland’s clever field placements helped claim four wickets, Australia’s tail remained resilient.
Key Moments and Score Updates
Mitchell Starc played with poise, pushing into the 40s, while Australia steadily moved past the 100-run lead mark. Stokes tried everything in his magazine, from short balls to yorkers, but edges continued to fall suddenly off fielders.
For England, these near-misses were frustrating, pressing the fine perimeters in Ashes justice.
The pitch at The Gabba has remained fairly kind to the batsmen, but the English cleft will hope for early improvements on day three to turn the game.
The Australians, meanwhile, are looking to consolidate their lead and make it increasingly difficult for England to recapture the action.
England’s Fightback Hinges on Early Wickets
Day three pledges high drama as all eyes turn to Stokes and his bowling attack. Carey and Neser are set to frustrate England’s sweats, while the rest of the Australian lineup will look to extend the lead.
With the Ashes test series finely poised, the third day could be vital in determining instigation in this 2025/26 contest.
