Eng vs Aus: Australia takes 44-run lead in second Ashes Test after England drops five catches

Australia seized firm control of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba on Day 2, reaching 378/6 at stumps to take a 44-run first-innings lead over England. The hosts’ top order fired collectively, with half-centuries from opener Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and stand-in captain Steve Smith, while Alex Carey (46) and Michael Neser (15) steadied the tail to close out the day.

England’s morning session saw them add only nine runs to their overnight total before their resistance finally ended. Joe Root, who anchored the innings with a brilliant 138* was left stranded after Jofra Archer was brilliantly caught by Labuschagne at deep square leg off Brendan Doggett. Mitchell Starc finished as the standout bowler with 6/75, helping Australia restrict England to 334 in their first innings.

Australia’s reply was aggressive from the outset. Openers Weatherald and Travis Head launched a counter-attack that unsettled the English bowlers. Weatherald, in particular, raced to his maiden Test fifty in commanding fashion, scoring 72 off just 78 balls with nine boundaries and a six, before being trapped by a Jofra Archer yorker. Head contributed 33 in an opening stand of 77 that provided a perfect platform for the middle order.

Captain Steve Smith and Labuschagne then consolidated the innings, rotating the strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries. Labuschagne’s 65 was marked by nine fours and a six before he was caught behind off Ben Stokes. In the final session, Brydon Carse briefly swung momentum back toward England by taking two wickets in one over, removing Cameron Green (45) and Steve Smith (61). But Carey and Neser guided Australia to a safe close at 378/6, maintaining their first-innings lead.

Labuschagne reflected on the day, noting the importance of the final hour. “That was a crucial last hour for us to finish six down, giving us time in the morning and pushing England’s bowlers later into the night. The top-order set the tone with positive intent, and the rest of us just piggybacked off that momentum,” he said.

With five key catches dropped by England earlier and Australia’s top order firing, the hosts head into Day 3 with momentum firmly on their side. England will need early breakthroughs to regain a foothold, while Australia will aim to build a commanding first-innings total to put the visitors under pressure in the pink-ball Test.