The Gabba Test – Australia lead by 44 runs:Steve Smith, Weatherald, Labuschagne slam half-centuries on Day 2; Brydon Carse bags 3 wickets for England

Australia strengthened their position on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test, ending at 6-378 with a 44-run lead and four wickets in hand. Although England showed flashes of fight, led by Mark Wood, Carse and Ben Stokes, the visitors’ struggles in the field and with the ball left them under pressure heading into Day 3. England had hoped Joe Root’s brilliant century from the previous day would keep them alive after a heavy defeat in Perth. Instead, Australia responded strongly, dominating large parts of the second day and putting the visitors on the back foot at the Gabba. Australia dominate, three batters slam half-centuries on Day 2 Australia were cruising at 3-293 with Steve Smith and Cameron Green in control. England’s bowlers looked tired, and their fielding let them down badly. The tourists dropped five catches—mistakes that proved costly as several Australian batters received multiple lives. Jamie Smith dropped Travis Head when he was on 3, allowing him to add 30 more runs. Ben Duckett spilt a simple chance off Alex Carey first ball, and Joe Root dropped a tough opportunity when Carey was on 25. Duckett dropped another catch later, further hurting England. Despite the mistakes, Australia batted freely, scoring at over five runs an over. Jake Weatherald set the tone with a rapid 72, while Marnus Labuschagne made 65 before edging Stokes to the keeper Jamie. Smith also brought up a solid half-century as England’s pace attack struggled to create pressure. Carse and Stokes spark late fightback Just as Australia looked set for a huge total, England found a sudden burst of energy. Stokes turned to the short-ball tactic, and it worked. Carse, who had earlier been expensive, removed Green for 45 when the all-rounder made a misjudged move across the crease. A few balls later, he dismissed captain Steve Smith with a brilliant catch from Will Jacks in the deep. England nearly broke through again when Duckett had a chance to remove Carey early, but the dropped catch proved costly. Carey survived and finished unbeaten on 46, putting on an important partnership with Michael Neser, who ended on 15*. The pair added 49 runs in under 10 overs, keeping Australia on top. England looks for a comeback on Day 3 With Stokes cramping and the rest of the bowlers looking fatigued, England ended the day under pressure. Former Australia opener Mark Waugh stressed the importance of England responding strongly on Saturday to stay alive in the Test.