England started the day on 325/9 as overnight survivors Joe Root and Jofra Archer took to the crease to begin Day 2 at The Gabba in Brisbane. Brendan Doggett got Australia off to a start with the first over and later picked up Archer’s wicket for his first of the match as the visitors were bowled out for 334.
Mitchell Starc spearheaded the hosts’ bowling effort with stunning figures of 6/75, while Doggett, Michael Neser and Scott Boland picked up one wicket apiece.
With a respectable total to chase down, Australian openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head looked to navigate the initial openers, failing to score runs in the first three overs. However, the former seemed to find his touch soon after, as he scored freely in the deep backward square region, often lofting the ball over the slip cordon.
Archer was the only bowler who contained the Australian onslaught considerably well as he allowed just nine runs in his five overs, bowling two maidens. Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes bowled a few overs but went for nearly six runs per over.
Brydon Carse picked up the wicket of Travis Head after a well-made 33 from 43 balls, but went for nine per over, while Will Jacks conceded nine runs in his only over before the Tea break.
For the Australians, a lot of positives to take into the second session as Weatherald looks well-settled for his 59 runs, going just over a run-a-ball, adding 10 fours and one six as well. Marnus Labuschagne came in after Head got out and has picked up the pace from the other end as well, adding 27 runs from 29 balls, including five boundaries.
The hosts trail by 204 runs and are quickly gaining pace on England’s total, and will look to capitalize on their momentum heading into the second session. Stay tuned, as Weatherald and Labuschagne will shortly resume their innings at 130/1.