Ashes 2025-26: Australia Race Past England To Seize Control Of Second Test In Brisbane

Australia took a 44-run lead over England in the day-night second Ashes Test in Brisbane on Friday, with aggressive opener Jake Weatherald and Steve Smith leading the charge.

By the end of the day, the hosts had not only surpassed England’s first-innings 334 but also extended their lead, concluding a taxing second day at 378-6 in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd at a humid Gabba.

A substantial lead is becoming pivotal, with the pitch likely to deteriorate in the coming days.

The hosts are already 1-0 up in the series after defeating England in Perth within two days.

“That was a crucial last hour for us. To get to the end of play six down gives us a bit of time in the morning in that day’s session,” said Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 65.

At the close of play, Alex Carey, who was dropped on his first ball and again at 25, was unbeaten on 46, with Michael Neser on 15. However, England’s pace attack made inroads under the lights in the evening session, hinting at a fightback.

Australia was cruising at 291-3 before Brydon Carse removed Cameron Green (45) and Smith (61) in four deliveries, capitalising on England’s short-ball strategy.

The bowlers, however, were guilty of too many loose deliveries, and four easy catches were dropped.

“More work to do but we’re well and truly in this game,” said Joe Root, who scored an epic 138 not out, his first century on Australian soil.

Australia made a fast start in their reply.

Travis Head, the hero of the first Test, fell before tea for 33.

Weatherald, in only his second Test, hit 12 fours and a six in a lively knock of 72 before being trapped lbw by Jofra Archer with an angled yorker.

Labuschagne also appeared assured, but just as he seemed destined for a century, England captain Ben Stokes secured a crucial breakthrough with a nick to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Steve Smith, wearing black anti-glare strips under his eyes to deal with the Gabba lights, was the key wicket.

Once settled, the veteran captain seemed immovable, but Carse enticed him into a hook shot that was spectacularly caught by Will Jacks at backward square leg.

England was dismissed in the second over of the day, with Root the last man standing.

They resumed on 325-9, with Root guiding them from a precarious 5-2 with his maiden century in Australia and 40th overall on an eventful day one.

He added nine runs to the overnight score with partner Archer, before the number 11 fell for a career-best 38, caught brilliantly by a diving Labuschagne in the deep, ending a valuable 10th-wicket partnership of 70.

Veteran Mitchell Starc took 6-75.

Head had smashed an explosive 69-ball century to help Australia stun England by eight wickets in Perth. However, he was more reserved this time after being retained as opener in place of the injured Usman Khawaja.

It took him 15 balls to get going before a big escape on three when Smith dropped a sitter off Archer.

The scare woke him up, and he unleashed a flurry of shots in the next over, but his luck ran out when he edged high to Gus Atkinson off Carse, with England breathing a sigh of relief as he walked off.

Weatherald quickly found his rhythm with a series of early boundaries, cutting and driving with ease.

Three of them came in five balls off Atkinson as the outfield ran fast, and he brought up an impressive 50 from 45 balls before Archer worked his magic.

“Obviously, it’s a pleasure to be out here at the Gabba, such a nice place to bat,” said Weatherald. “Awesome atmosphere. It’s really enjoyable.”

Labuschagne continued from where he left off, reaching a 25th Test half-century, with 10 boundaries in his 65.

It was then down to Smith, who produced a series of high-quality shots to pass 50 for the 44th time. Brimming with confidence, he looked set for a big score before Carse struck again, and Stokes removed Josh Inglis (23).

(With AFP Inputs)