Australia finished Day 2 of the second Ashes Test in a strong position, reaching 378/6 in 73 overs, replying confidently to England’s first-innings total of 334 all out. The day belonged to Australia’s top order, with Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith all making key contributions to put the visitors ahead.

England Wrap Up at 334 – Root Leads the Charge

England resumed adding the remaining runs to the overnight score and was bowled out for 334 in 76.2 overs, thanks largely to Joe Root’s superb 138. Once Root departed, the tail added little, and Australia approached a target they'd never suggest isn't gettable.

The Dominant Start of Australia

Australia came out firing, scoring freely right from the first over.

50 runs in just 9.6 overs with 4 extras.

The opening pair of Travis Head 17 and Jake Weatherald 29 got their first 50-run stand in just 60 balls.

At drinks, Australia were coasting along at 57/0 in 11 overs, having Weatherald and Head look so comfortable.

Weatherald Leads the Charge – Half-Century in 45 Balls

Jake Weatherald continued with an attacking intent:

Reaches 50 off just 45 balls

9 fours and 1 six

He powered Australia to 100 in 17.2 overs and looked set for a big score.

The breakthrough did come shortly after, but the strong opening stand set a good platform by Weatherald. At lunch, Australia was well-placed at 130/1 in 21 overs, with Weatherald on 59 and Labuschagne on 27.

Labuschagne and Smith Steady and Build

After lunch, Labuschagne kept the scoreboard moving:

Australia reach 150 in 27.2 overs

Labuschagne raises his 50 off 67 balls

7 fours, 1 six

His partnership with Steve Smith added stability, while the two recorded a 50-run stand off 66 balls.

Australia crossed:

200 runs in 37.6 overs

228/3 at Tea, with Smith on 24 and all-rounder Cameron Green on 22

Smith Reaches His Fifty as Middle Order Consolidates

Smith continued to anchor the innings:

Reached 50 off 67 deliveries.

5 fours and 1 six

He and Green added another 50 runs together to push Australia past:

250 in 49.3 overs

With England fighting back through the middle overs, Australia still advanced to:

292/5 in 56.4 overs (Drinks)

300 in 58.3 overs

Late-Session Drama and Review

England challenged the decision in over 63.6, reviewing against Michael Neser, but the on-field umpire's call stayed as "Struck Down" and Neser survived.

Australia eventually crossed:

350 runs in 69.1 overs

Innings of the Day: Carey holds it all together

By the stumps, Australia had moved into a comfortable lead:

378/6 in 73 overs

Alex Carey not out 46

Michael Neser on 15 A total of 36,573 spectators showed up to watch the action on Day 2, which ended with Australia leading by 44 runs with four wickets still in hand.