Australia responded confidently on Day 2 at The Gabba, finishing the day at 378/6 in 73 overs, taking control of the game with a 44-run lead. Australia first wrapped up England on 334, adding only 9 runs in their Day 1 score, and later didn’t let England’s bowlers build pressure on them.
Despite multiple breakthroughs, England’s bowlers struggled to maintain pressure as Australia’s top 4 partnerships were above 50, and their batters delivered solid contributions throughout the day.
England’s fielders also helped Australian batters, dropping as many as 5 catches, starting with Travis Head off Jamie Smith and continuing throughout the day.
Australia’s Strong Start With Weatherald Quick 72
The day began with Brendan Doggett dismissing Jofra Archer and letting England add only 9 runs to the tally after day 1. After bunding out the England innings on 334, the Australian opener came with all guns blazing, especially Jake Weatherald. Their opener added 77 runs in just 13.1 overs, but damage had been done as they set the tone of a big score with regular boundaries.
England struck when Brydon Carse removed Travis Head for 33. However, Jake Weatherald continued to dominate the seamers with aggressive stroke play. His 72 off 78 balls (12 fours, 1 six) kept Australia moving at a strong rate.
Weatherald partnered with Labuschagne to add 69 runs, pushing Australia past 140 before Jofra Archer trapped him lbw just when England were looking desperate for a breakthrough.
Labuschagne And Smith Carried Australia’s Momentum
After Weatherald’s wicket, Marnus Labuschagne continued his composed innings, finishing his innings with 65 off 78 balls with fluent drives and smart rotation. His 50-run stand with Steven Smith helped Australia maintain complete control. With his innings, Marnus became the only batter to score 1,000 runs in a pink-ball test match.
Labuschagne finally fell at 196/3, caught behind off Stokes, but by then the pressure had shifted firmly onto England. Australia’s top 5 batters got a good start as the top 4 partnerships were 50+. Later, Australian captain Steven Smith (61) and Cameron Green (45) played a cautious game, scoring timely boundaries, and both added 95 runs for the 4th wicket.
As this partnership was threatening England, Brydon Carse clean bowled Cameron Green, and after 2 balls, dismissed Steven Smith, thanks to Will Jacks, who took the sharp catch at fine leg. Now England had a mini comeback, but
Carse Took 3 Wickets, But Australia Got 44-run Lead
Josh England’s quick 23 off 25 and Alex Carey’s 46* off 45 carried the scorecard. Late in the day, Michael Neser contributed a steady 15 off 30*, ensuring Australia won’t lose any wickets towards the end of the day. Eventually, Australia ended the day at 378/6 with a crucial 44-run lead.
Brydon Carse was the pick of the bowlers for England, finishing with 3/113 in 17 overs. His wickets included Travis Head (33), Cameron Green (45), and Steven Smith (61), but he was too expensive. England’s skipper Ben Stokes also took 2 wickets, but he also leaked a lot of runs in his spell. In conclusion, Day 2 entirely belongs to Australia as they have a 44-run lead and 4 wickets in hand, with 2 set batters on the crease.
Brief Scores – 2nd Test, England vs Australia, Day 2
- England 1st Innings: 334/10 (76.2)
- Australia 1st Innings: 378/6 (73 overs)
- Top Scores: Jake Weatherald 72 (78), Marnus Labuschagne 65 (78), Steven Smith 61 (85)
- Best Bowling (ENG): Brydon Carse 3/113, Ben Stokes 2/93
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