Australia took a strong position on Day 2 of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. They finished on 378/6, gaining a 44-run lead in the first innings. England, who started the morning with their last-wicket pair, added only 9 runs before they were bowled out for 334.
In response, Australia capitalized on the conditions as the openers set an aggressive tone. Jake Weatherald stood out with a smooth 72 off 78 balls, while Travis Head helped build early momentum.
The middle order kept the pressure on, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith hitting solid half-centuries and Cameron Green providing important support to keep the innings moving.
Their efforts ensured Australia remained in control as England’s bowlers struggled to break through. With Alex Carey also contributing useful runs, the hosts ended the day comfortably in command, carrying both confidence and momentum into Day 3.
Day 2 Highlights
Australia quickly finished off England’s first innings, needing just 14 balls to end the last-wicket partnership. Brendan Doggett got rid of the aggressive Jofra Archer, thanks to a great catch by Marnus Labuschagne at deep backward square leg, bringing England’s innings to a close at 334.
England aimed to make an early impact with the ball, but the pressure never came. Travis Head and Jake Weatherald got off to a steady start. After a careful beginning, both players started scoring easily, putting England’s bowlers on the defensive. The pair added 77 important runs before Brydon Carse, despite a rough start, broke the partnership by dismissing Head for 33 off 43 balls.
Weatherald remained confident, turning his solid start into an aggressive innings. He was soon joined by Labuschagne, who settled in quickly. Together, they increased the scoring rate further and added another 69 runs, leaving England with few options as Australia took control of the match.
The opener’s excellent innings ended when Jofra Archer bowled a sharp, toe-crushing yorker that trapped him in front. This gave England a much-needed breakthrough.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith then built another steady partnership. Labuschagne went on to reach his fifty, while Smith supported him with a calm and controlled stay at the crease. Their stand kept Australia moving forward and added to England’s problems as the lead continued to grow.
England skipper Ben Stokes provided a breakthrough by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, who edged the ball to the keeper after a well-settled innings. Australia’s innings continued strongly, with Steve Smith and Cameron Green taking over from the top order and keeping the pressure on the visitors.
England finally found momentum when Brydon Carse struck, taking the wickets of Green and Smith in quick succession during the 57th over. Green was bowled, while Smith was caught by Will Jacks at backward square leg, a brilliant piece of fielding.
The lower middle order, including Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, then steadied the innings. Inglis eventually fell to Stokes in the 64th over, but Carey and Michael Neser continued to add valuable runs. Australia finished Day 2 at 378/6, with Carey and Neser at the crease, setting a strong platform for the next day.
Brief Scores: 2nd Ashes Test, Australia vs England (04-08 Dec 2025)
England 1st Innings: 334 (76.2 overs)
- Top Scores: Joe Root 138(206)*, Zak Crawley 76(93)
- Best Bowling (AUS): Mitchell Starc 6/75, Michael Neser 1/43
Australia 1st Innings: 378/6 (73 overs)
- Top Scores: Jake Weatherald 72(78), Marnus Labushagne 65(78)
- Best Bowling (ENG): Brydon Carse 3/113, Ben Stokes 2/93
