Australia ended day two of the second Test still in control but ruing a chaotic floodlit spell that saw Cameron Green and Steve Smith fall in the same over, just as they appeared poised to bat England out of the match.
After cruising to 291–3 on the back of Jake Weatherald’s fluent 72 and strong contributions from Marnus Labuschagne and Smith, Australia’s momentum was disrupted when Green backed away to a full delivery and was bowled in a moment certain to go viral, before Smith was caught by a spectacular one-handed grab.
England briefly sensed an opening, but Alex Carey and Michael Neser steadied Australia to 378–6 at stumps, a lead of 44 that could have been far greater. Weatherald’s brisk, controlled innings again blunted England’s attack, while Australia’s rapid scoring rate underscored the dominance they let slip during that frenetic passage of play. Whether their lost chances prove costly will become clear when play resumes.
Stumps
England vs Australia, 2nd Test. The Ashes
- AUS 378/6 (73 ov)
- ENG 334
- Alex Carey* 46(45)
- Michael Neser 15(30)
- Jofra Archer 1/74 (20 ov)
- Day 2 – Australia lead by 44 runs.
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