Australia established a commanding position on day two of the second Ashes Test at Brisbane’s Gabba ground, capitalizing on a disastrous fielding performance from England that saw five dropped catches. The hosts finished Friday’s play at 378 for six, building a 44-run lead over England’s first-innings total of 334.
Australia’s batting lineup delivered a comprehensive assault on a docile pitch, with Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), and Steve Smith (61) all registering half-centuries. The innings showcased Australia’s adaptation of England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, maintaining a run-rate comfortably above five throughout the day.
England’s fielding woes began early when wicketkeeper Jamie Smith dropped opener Travis Head on just three runs. The errors multiplied under the floodlights during the final session, with Ben Duckett responsible for two missed opportunities—first denying Alex Carey a dismissal on zero, then failing to hold a chance from Josh Inglis. The calamities continued as Joe Root spilled a one-handed chance in the slips that would have removed Carey on 25.
The sole fielding highlight for England came when all-rounder Will Jacks pulled off a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Smith, denying the Australian captain a more substantial score. Bowler Brydon Carse eventually rallied from expensive figures to claim three wickets, including the prized scalp of Smith, though he conceded 113 runs at 6.6 per over.
Australian number three batter Labuschagne emphasized the importance of ending the day only six wickets down: ‘It gives us bit of time in the morning session and obviously pushes our bowling later into the night.’
England, trailing 1-0 in the series after losing the Perth opener, face mounting pressure to dismiss Australia quickly on day three. Former captain Joe Root remained optimistic despite the setbacks: ‘We’ve obviously got some more work to do tomorrow, but certainly, we’re well and truly in this game.’
The match situation was further complicated by England captain Ben Stokes suffering cramp that limited his bowling contribution during the crucial final session.