2 of the second test in Brisbane Australia Extended their lead with a commanding 378/6 at Repumps, advanced 44 runs England. Despite a strong recovery effort Joe root In England’s toss, the hosts capitalized on a sluggish English performance and executed their batting plans with great precision. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Australia found themselves in a position heading into the third day of the match.
Ashes 2025-26: Australia dominate first innings with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne
Australia’s batsmen dominated England’s attack in the second session of the day. Hosts are well placed thanks to contributions Head of Travis (33), Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus labuschagne (65) and Steve Smith (61), all put up solid partnerships. Weatherald and Labuschagne, particularly impressed, were instrumental in setting the tone for Australia’s innings with the previous 72. Ben Stokes and Brodron They failed to make significant inroads and despite a few tight overs, the Aussie Batters managed to score runs at a rate of 5.17 runs every over.
Ashes 2025-26: England’s weak areas put them under pressure
England’s field issues were clear throughout the day. Dropping Alma and missed runs allowed Australia to maintain the pressure and continue to develop the partnership. Despite the pink ball, England, expected to provide assistance to the bowlers, struggled to stem the flow of runs. Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green He offered valuable contributions with the bat, Australia’s 350-plus in 69 overs. It was a stark contrast to England’s performance, especially on the field, which lacked the same intensity and control.
Read: 2025-26 Ashes: Here’s why Steve Smith wore the black armband in the Gabba Test and England
Joe rootA brilliant knock of 138 was the highlight of England’s efforts on Day 2. His constant attacks, hickets like a heart attack, continued until now, even as he fell around. Root’s 206-ball innings, including 15 fours and a six, was the backbone of England’s reply. But the loss of key wickets, incl Zach Crawley (76) and Harry Brook (31), England’s chances of building a solid partnership were limited. With England still trailing by 44 runs, it will take root and low order to avoid collapsing further and recover.
Here is the reaction of the fans:
So the big questions is why England bowling is not the length of a traditional test match ??? And why did he bowl the best bowlers on the day? 🤦🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
– Robbie Uthappa (@robbieutappa) December 5, 2025
These British cottons have poor fitness and conditioning. Not sure what the experts are doing, they are not bowling enough players either #Aşlar
– Chatil Panditasekara (@chatilpandi) December 5, 2025
What a torrid day for England
Multiple drops
Leak bowling
It was about as bad as Australia have been in a while, just 29 overs in this last session.Mercifully, thanks to the backer/root partnership, we’re not completely out, but it needs to be flawless tomorrow.
— James McCaghrey (@mccaghreyjames) December 5, 2025
I know that England are like four drops and a little field tactics are a little out, but until the end of the 2nd day, I still feel that this test is still alive and England still have some chances. I’m definitely not in the ‘all lost’ camp.
— Mark I. Harrison (@markiharrison) December 5, 2025
Australia, you will fall in love with Jake Weatherald #Aşlar
– Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 5, 2025
This is England cricket team, only bowling, batting, fielding, outswing, screening, eyeballs, fielding, team, mental, bowling rotations, fast bowling, spin bowling, spin…
– 𝑅𝒾𝒾𝑒𝒓 🐰🍙 (VERY OPEN) (@Riceyvt_) December 5, 2025
Another expensive day for England. Bowlers were poor when fresh and faded badly by the end of the day. When it comes to fielding, you can’t take five chances (a few are definitely full!) – especially when you’re bowling this poorly. 🏏 #Aşlar pic.twitter.com/bzzglyfhbg
— Matt Watts (@Mattwatts96) December 5, 2025
Terrible field from England. A lot goes down. Duckett, Carey and Carse fell to Neser. It needs to be improved and worked on
– Aryan Goel (@aryan42832Goel) December 5, 2025
Eng can still bounce back in these innings. They need a few bits of luck. But their response to losing the first Test of this series was to replace a fast bowler with a part-time bouncer. A negative action.
– CricketingView (@CricketingView) December 5, 2025
Day 2, stumps
Australian Batters were more wrapped up today and composed by the end of the day with a 44 run facility#cricket # Ashes2025 #Crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/ejmiis2f94
– CricketTimes.com (@crickettimeshq) December 5, 2025
