The second day of the AUS vs ENG Test at the Gabba was defined not by brilliance but by a cascade of English mistakes. Yes, Marnus Labuschagne and Will Jacks produced spectacular catches. But it was England’s five dropped chances that shaped the narrative. Only once before has a visiting side spilled more catches in a single day of Test cricket in Australia.
Australia capitalised superbly, piling on 378 runs, the highest tally ever recorded in a single day of a day-night Test, and shifting momentum decisively in their favour in the Ashes.
AUS vs ENG: England Add Minimal Runs Before Early Dismissal
The day began with Australia wrapping up England’s innings for 334, adding just nine to the overnight total. Jofra Archer miscued a pull shot and Labuschagne soared horizontally to complete a stunning catch. Despite the early finish, England had reason to be heartened thanks to a record tenth-wicket stand that carried them far beyond the 260 they would have happily accepted the previous evening.
Dropped chance on Travis Head sets tone for England’s troubles
In the absence of Usman Khawaja, Travis Head opened the innings. Jofra Archer produced a near-unplayable delivery that Head edged, but wicketkeeper Jamie Smith couldn’t hold on.
From there, England’s bowling began to fall apart. Inconsistent lengths, sometimes too short, often too full allowed Jake Weatherald to assume dominance on his way to a maiden Test fifty. He and Head added 77 runs in just 13 overs, setting the tone for the punishing partnerships that followed in increasingly batting-friendly conditions.
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Labuschagne and Australia Build a Dominant Platform
After Carse removed Head, Labuschagne, who crossed 1,000 day-night Test runs, settled quickly and added 69 off 76 with Weatherald. Australia, by the 20-over mark, were cruising at 125/1, the second-highest score at that stage of a first innings in Australian Test history. England once again looked bereft of answers.
Archer Works Hard but England Miss Big Opportunities
Archer bowled a heavy spell 20 overs, his second-highest workload in a single day taking only Weatherald with a sizzling yorker. He continually harassed Steve Smith without breaking through again.
A big opportunity came when Carse dropped Michael Neser at cover to add to England’s lengthening list of costly mistakes in this key Ashes clash.
Twilight collapse gives England a brief opening
Labuschagne and Smith continued to score steadily, both scoring half-centuries before Stokes removed Labuschagne with an expertly set-up delivery in the twilight period.
This dismissal brought a brief batting wobble: Cameron Green had his stumps shattered by Carse, and Smith departed to a controlled pull that Jacks plucked out of the air.
Late-Session Drops Punish England Under the Lights
Josh Inglis and Alex Carey rebuilt calmly until Stokes bowled Inglis. However, under lights, catching woes resurfaced for England:
Ben Duckett dropped both Carey and Inglis at gully.
Joe Root let off an easy chance off Carey at slip
Labuschagne later said that catching under lights is “tricky”, but even that did little to justify England’s four drops in one session. Australia Close the Day Strong in the AUS vs ENG Battle Australia’s scoring rate stayed above five an over, with over 60% of their runs coming behind square testament to England’s wayward lengths.
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At stumps, Australia were ahead by 44 runs, at 378/6 with a set Alex Carey in the middle. Although they will bat last on a pitch that could misbehave later, the hosts are in a strong position in this crucial Ashes Test.
Brief Scores England 334 (Root 138*; Starc 6-75) Australia 378/6 (Weatherald 72, Labuschagne 65, Smith 61; Carse 3-113) Australia lead by 44 runs
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