Jake Weatherald scored his maiden Test half-century and Marnus Labuschagne followed up with back-to-back 50s as Australia reached 228-3 at the end of the middle session on Day 2 in reply to England’s 334 in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba.

Weatherald, who was dismissed for a duck on his debut last month, made 72 off 78 balls, sharing partnerships of 77 with Travis Head (33) and 69 with Labuschagne. Labuschagne was in fine touch on 65 before edging behind to Ben Stokes. Steve Smith and Cameron Green were 24 and 22 respectively at the short interval before the night session.

England resumed Day 2 at 325-9, adding nine runs before No. 11 Jofra Archer was dismissed, leaving Joe Root unbeaten on 138. Root had earlier shared a 70-run last-wicket stand with Archer, extending England’s innings into the second day.

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Australia’s top order applied pressure, with Head adding 30 runs after a reprieve on three, before being caught off Brydon Carse. Weatherald’s aggressive strokeplay included nine boundaries and a six. Brendan Doggett wrapped up England’s innings with Archer’s dismissal, while Mitchell Starc took 6-75 from 20 overs, bringing his series tally to 16 wickets.

The day saw fast-paced scoring despite uneven bounce on the Gabba pitch and bright afternoon conditions under the pink ball. Australia cut the first-innings deficit to 106 with the top order showing intent and resilience.

Source: AP