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Aussie batting order fires as they lead the Gabba Test after an action-packed Day 2

Mayank

Weatherald, Labuschagne and Smith scored fifties on Day 2 [Source: AussiesArmy, iamsmudgefan, TheYorkerBall/X.com]Weatherald, Labuschagne and Smith scored fifties on Day 2 [Source: AussiesArmy, iamsmudgefan, TheYorkerBall/X.com]

Day 2 of the Gabba Test started with the overnight unbeaten batting pair of Joe Root and Jofra Archer, who had taken England's score to 325/9 with a quick flurry of runs late on the opening day and took the momentum with them at Stumps.

As they looked to assert dominance with some more runs and cause trouble to the Australian batting line-up on Day 2, here's how the day unravelled.

Weatherald & Head see out Archer's new-ball mayhem

After just adding 10 more runs to the overnight total, with Joe Root remaining unbeaten at 138, England started with a fierce new ball spell from Jofra Archer, who was well-complemented by Gus Atkinson. Archer kept things tight and quick, also inducing an edge off Travis Head by squaring him up. It was unfortunately dropped by Jamie Smith behind the wickets, and the openers negotiated the rest of the spell without losing any wickets.

As soon as Archer got off the attack, both Jake Weatherald and Head got going and scored brikly off the loose balls on offer from Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes. Head was eventually dismissed by Carse for 33(43) when the score was 77/0 in 13 overs.

Fifties from Weatherald, Labuschagne & Smith steer Australia close to the lead

Continuing the attack after Head's wicket, the Tasmanian went on to score his maiden Test fifty stylishly in just 45 balls. He combined for another fifty-run stand with Labuschagne, adding 69 for the second wicket. Archer returned to the attack and got rid of Weatherald with a toe-crushing yorker and ended his fine knock of 72(78), scoring 12 fours and a six.

Labuschagne went on to score his 25th Test fifty, batting alongside skipper Steve Smith and stitched a 50(69) stand for the third wicket. Ben Stokes got the better of him when he tried to cut a back-of-the-length ball outside off and edged it to the wicketkeeper.

Captain Smith, with his brand new anti-glare under-eye patches, kept going alongside Cameron Green and got Aussies their fourth consecutive fifty-run stand. The duo added 95 runs for the 4th wicket before Green was dismissed for 45(57) while trying to attack Carse. Captain Smith also scored yet another fifty to take his team close to the lead and got 61(85).

Carse pulls England back with a double-wicket over

Despite the onslaught against him, Carse continued to run in and bowl attacking lines and lengths throughout the day and was eventually rewarded with a double-wicket over. First, he dismantled Green's stumps, who tried to make room and attack, but got done by a yorker. Alex Carey was dropped by Ben Duckett on the next ball, where Carse got the southpaw to glove a bouncer to the gully.

Two deliveries later, Smith eventually had to walk back after Will Jacks pulled off a stunner at deep backward square. Another effort delivery from Carse around the rib region was rewarded, reducing the Aussies to 292/5.

Dropped catches mount England's worries

After several drops earlier in the day, Duckett, Carse and Root dropped Michael Neser and Alex Carey late in the final hour, which added to their worries as Carey made the best of his opportunities, scoring 46* (45) by the end of the day. He guided Australia past England's score alongside Neser, who scored a handy 15*(30). At stumps on Day 2, Australia lead by 44 runs.