Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test Day 2: Aussies Post 378/6, Lead England by 44 Runs

Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test Day 2: Australia was ahead in the game and led the 2nd Ashes Test at The Gabba, Brisbane, after the end of Day 2 with a significant lead of 44 runs against England. After a high-scoring game in the first innings for both teams, their batsmen and bowlers were in action, setting the stage for an exciting remaining Test.

Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test Day 2: Australia Take the Lead

Australia’s first innings saw the top order amass runs aplenty, as Jake Weatherald scored 72 and Marnus Labuschagne made 65. Steven Smith, who captained the side, also chipped in with 61 runs. Travis Head fell early for 33, but the middle order rebuilt Australia’s innings expertly.

The depth was also amply reflected by Cameron Green 45 and Alex Carey 46*, with Josh Inglis throwing in a quick cameo of 23. At stumps, Michael Neser was unbeaten on 15. Extras chipped in with 18 runs as Australia reached 378/6 in 73 overs at a run rate of 5.18.

Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test Day 2: Smith & Green Stitch Partnership

A number of partnerships defined the innings of Australia. Smith and Green shared an important 95-run stand to stabilise the middle order after quick wickets, while earlier, Weatherald and Labuschagne stitched together a 50-run partnership to keep the momentum going. These partnerships provided Australia with the leverage they needed heading into England's first innings.

Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test: Joe Root Scores First Test Hundred in Australia & Starc Claims 6

Opting to bat first, England were kept under pressure by Mitchell Starc as he accounted for six wickets for 75 runs and broke the top and middle order. Zak Crawley was the top scorer with 76, while Joe Root held the innings together with an impressive 138*.

Other England batters struggled to make any real impact, with Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett falling cheaply as wickets fell regularly to disciplined Australian bowling. Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser provided vital support, taking a wicket apiece.

Australia vs England 2nd Test Day 2: Day Highlights and Turning Points

• Mitchell Starc's 6 wickets: Starc's sustained pace and accuracy made sure England never got truly set.

• Joe Root’s resistance: The 138* by Root kept England afloat and prevented the collapse.

• Brydon Carse's all-round bowling: Carse picked 3 wickets but gave away more than 100 runs, giving Australia an edge in the scoring rate.

• Despite Root's heroics, England were bowled out for 334 in 76.2 overs to give Australia a 44-run first-innings lead heading into Day 3.

Australia vs England 2nd Test Day 2: Scorecard Precap

Australia, batting first, were 378 for 6 from 73 overs at the end of Day 2, while England reached 334 all out in 76.2 overs, giving Australia a first-innings lead of 44 runs.