Australia's batsmen delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression on Friday, seizing a significant first-innings advantage over England on the second day of the second Ashes Test at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. The hosts finished the day at 378 for 6, building a 44-run lead after bowling England out for 334 earlier in the day.
Top Order Lays a Dominant Foundation
The Australian innings was built on a series of authoritative performances from the top order. Openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald provided a blistering start, racing to 77 runs in just 13 overs. After Head fell for a quickfire 33, Weatherald took charge, crafting a stylish 72 runs from 78 balls, including 12 fours and a six.
Marnus Labuschagne then stepped in to steady the ship, forming crucial partnerships. He added 69 runs with Weatherald and later a 50-run stand with captain Steve Smith. Labuschagne's innings of 65 from 78 deliveries was a model of composure before he was dismissed just before the tea interval.
Smith and Green Forge Key Partnership
The backbone of Australia's innings was the substantial fourth-wicket partnership between Steve Smith and Cameron Green. The duo combined for a 95-run stand that firmly shifted momentum. Smith, playing with characteristic authority, scored 61 runs from 85 balls, hitting five boundaries and two sixes. All-rounder Cameron Green provided solid support with a valuable 45 from 57 deliveries.
England fought back briefly in the final session, taking three quick wickets to reduce Australia to 292 for 5. Ben Stokes was instrumental, removing both Labuschagne and Josh Inglis (23). However, Australia's lower order ensured no further collapse.
Carey and Neser Ensure Australia End Day on Top
Following the middle-order wobble, wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey and Michael Neser displayed great resilience to see Australia through to stumps. Their unbroken partnership rebuilt the innings, with Carey remaining not out on a fluent 46 and Neser providing gritty support on 15 not out. This late resistance ensured the hosts closed the day in a commanding position.
Earlier in the day, England's first innings had concluded quickly, adding only nine runs to their overnight score of 325 for 9. Jofra Archer was the last man out for 38, leaving captain Joe Root stranded on a magnificent unbeaten 138. For Australia, Mitchell Starc was the chief destroyer with an excellent six-wicket haul for 75 runs.
Scores in Brief:
ENGLAND 334 all out (Joe Root 138*, Mitchell Starc 6-75)
AUSTRALIA 378-6 in 73 overs (Jake Weatherald 72, Marnus Labuschagne 65, Steve Smith 61; Brydon Carse 3-113)
Australia leads by 44 runs.
