Brisbane, Dec 5 (NationPress) The Australian batting lineup capitalized on England's erratic bowling attack, but a late resurgence under the lights kept the second Test in suspense at the Gabba. At the end of the day, Australia stood at 378/6, boasting a 44-run lead after an eventful day where three Australian players – Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith – scored half-centuries.

England kicked off the day by adding 70 runs for the last wicket, with Joe Root remaining unbeaten on 138 and Jofra Archer contributing 38. Archer's innings concluded when he flicked a delivery from Brendan Doggett to deep backward square, where Marnus Labuschagne executed a spectacular diving catch. England was bowled out for 334.

In response, Australia began cautiously until Weatherald (batted 72) ignited the innings. The left-handed batsman unleashed a barrage of boundaries, including three in a single over against Gus Atkinson, and formed a partnership of 77 runs in just 10 overs with Travis Head.

England had a chance to dismiss Head early, but he managed to score 39 before Brydon Carse claimed his wicket.

Weatherald continued his aggressive play, reaching his first Test fifty off just 45 balls with nine boundaries and a six, but his innings concluded at 72 runs from 78 balls when a yorker from Archer struck his right big toe.

Labuschagne, returning to the No.3 spot, appeared composed from the outset. He confidently navigated through the on side and square of the wicket, reaching a brisk fifty and guiding the team to 130/1 at tea. He was ultimately out for 65 off 77 balls, edging an attempted cut off Ben Stokes to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Steve Smith then took the reins, batting fluidly alongside Cameron Green. After surviving a forearm blow from Carse, Smith accelerated rapidly, moving from 36 to 50 in just eight balls.

He repeatedly struck Archer and Atkinson behind point, including a stunning upper-cut six. The Smith-Green partnership reached 95 runs before Green, on 45, was bowled by Carse while attempting to target the off side. Smith followed suit three balls later, falling for 61 after being spectacularly caught by Will Jacks at backward square.

Alex Carey (46 not out) and Michael Neser (15 not out) stabilized Australia's innings late in the day. Both benefited from dropped catches—Neser on 6 and Carey on 25—as they combined for an unbroken stand of 49 runs, pushing Australia past England’s total and into the lead.

With Australia at 378/6 and a 44-run advantage, the match remains delicately poised as it approaches day three.

Brief scores:

England: 334 all out in 76.2 overs (Joe Root 138 not out, Jofra Archer 38; Mitchell Starc 6-75, Michael Neser 1-43) trail Australia: 378/6 in 73 overs (Jake Weatherald 72, Marnus Labuschagne 65; Brydon Carse 3-113, Ben Stokes 2-93) by 44 runs