Ashes Test 2 Day 2: Australia Take Control in Brisbane
Day 2 at the Gabba saw the hosts take firm control of the 2nd Test, as Australia — buoyed by a flurry of top-order runs — raced past England’s first-innings total and ended the day with a narrow but significant 44-run lead. The momentum has clearly shifted in favour of the home side as England’s bowlers struggled under the lights.
Day Summary
England’s first-innings 334 proved to be only marginally competitive as Australia responded aggressively. A composed innings from Jake Weatherald alongside firm knocks from Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith put the hosts in a dominant position. By stumps, Australia were 378/6, leading by 44 runs and with plenty of batting depth still in hand. England’s fielding lapses and lack of bowling consistency under the pink ball only added to their troubles.
Session-by-Session Breakdown
Morning Session
Engalnd carried ahead from their overnight score of 329, and could muster 5 runs before Labuschagne took a blinder to dismiss Jofra Archer.
ONE OF THE ALL-TIME SCREAMERS FROM MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE!#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/nF2AkvCDtZ
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 5, 2025
Australia began their reply to England’s 334 with confidence and composure. Openers laid a steady platform — especially Jake Weatherald, who cut through England’s early overs with crisp drives and began to ease the pressure on incoming batsmen. Though England attacked hard with pace and seam under the pink-ball conditions, the new ball didn’t produce the kind of breakthrough they needed. By lunchtime, Australia were 130/1 — firmly in the hunt, and things starting to tilt in their favour.
Afternoon Session
Post-tea, the momentum only shifted further toward Australia. Marnus Labuschagne joined Weatherald, and the pair consolidated 79 runs off 76 balls with patient stroke-play punctuated by aggressive intent — something England struggled to contain. Loose lines and a couple of dropped catches dented the visitors’ challenge, allowing Australia to tick over runs steadily. As the session ended, the hosts looked comfortable, having laid a solid foundation to overtake England’s total and build a lead.
Evening Session
Under the lights at the Gabba, Australia capitalized fully. With the pace of the ball and the tricky pink-ball bounce, several wickets could have fallen — but England’s fielding lapses and wayward bowling cost them dearly. Steve Smith joined the crease and steadied the middle with assured stroke-play, while lower-order batsmen like Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Michael Neser added valuable runs. By stumps, Australia ended at 378/6, taking a 44-run lead and control of the match.
Top Performers of Day 2
Jake Weatherald — Calm, Assertive, Game-Changing
In just his second Test outing, Weatherald stamped his mark with a fluent, confident 72 runs off 78 balls. He played the conditions perfectly — mixing caution with aggression, punishing anything slightly loose and keeping the scoreboard ticking through the day. His innings laid the bedrock for Australia’s chase, allowing the middle order to follow with less pressure and steadily build a lead under deteriorating light and increasing bounce.
Marnus Labuschagne — Stability Amid Chaos
Labuschagne’s 65 runs off 78 balls was an exercise in control and timing — especially valuable in the high-pressure twilight phase. While others looked for quick runs, he anchored the innings with smart shot selection, rotation of strike, and calm temperament. His wicketless but steady presence robbed England of any momentum and helped Australia inch closer to both the target and eventual lead.
Steve Smith — The Finisher Under Lights
As the sun set and the pink ball began to jag around, Smith’s 61 runs of 85 balls underlined why he remains one of Australia’s most dependable Test campaigners. He paced his innings beautifully — attacking when needed, defending when required — and ensured Australia didn’t lose control during the tricky late overs. Alongside contributions from the lower order, Smith helped convert a promising chase into a solid advantage.
What to Expect on Day 3
With a 44-run lead and 4 wickets in hand, Australia have the initiative. On Day 3, they’ll look to extend their lead past 200 — putting pressure on England’s batsmen before bad light and pink-ball variables come into play again. England, meanwhile, must regroup: they’ll need tighter bowling, better fielding, and early wickets to stay in the game. If they falter under pressure again, this Test could slip quickly away. Conditions look good for pace — so expect a hard few hours of cricket in Brisbane.
Ashes Test 2 Day 2 Highlights
