On Day 2 of the second Test in Brisbane, Australia extended their advantage with a commanding 378/6 at stumps, leading England by 44 runs. Despite a strong recovery effort by Joe Root in England’s innings, the hosts capitalized on a sluggish English fielding performance and executed their batting plans with great precision. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Australia found themselves in a dominant position heading into the third day of the match.

Ashes 2025-26: Australia’s dominance in the first innings with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne

Australia’s batters dominated England’s attack in the second session of the day. The hosts were well placed thanks to contributions from Travis Head (33), Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65) and Steve Smith (61), all of whom put up solid partnerships. Weatherald and Labuschagne particularly impressed, with the former’s 72 from 78 balls playing an important role in setting the tone for Australia’s innings. Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse were unable to create significant breakthroughs, and despite a few tight overs, the Aussie batters managed to accumulate runs at a steady rate of 5.17 runs per over.

Ashes 2025-26: England’s poor fielding puts them under pressure

England’s fielding issues were evident throughout the day. Drop catches and missed run-outs allowed Australia to maintain the pressure and continue building partnerships. Despite the pink ball, which was expected to provide assistance to the bowlers, England struggled to stem the flow of runs. Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green offered valuable contributions with the bat, taking Australia’s score past 350 in just over 69 overs. This was a stark contrast to England’s performance, which lacked the same intensity and control, especially in the field.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Here’s the reason behind Steve Smith wearing black tape in the Gabba Test vs England

Joe Root’s brilliant knock of 138* was the highlight of England’s efforts on Day 2. His steady innings kept England afloat, even as wickets tumbled around him. Root’s composed 206-ball innings, including 15 fours and one six, was the backbone of England’s reply. However, the loss of key wickets, including Zak Crawley (76) and Harry Brook (31), meant England’s chances of building a solid partnership were limited. With England still trailing by 44 runs, it will take a monumental effort from Root and the lower order to avoid further collapse and make a recovery.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

So the big questions are , WHY aren’t England bowling the traditional test match length??? And why have they bowled out their best bowlers during the day? 🤦🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) December 5, 2025

These English pacers have poor fitness and conditioning. Not sure what the specialists are doing, them also not bowling enough players a part #Ashes

— Chatil Panditasekara (@ChatilPandi) December 5, 2025

What a torrid day for England
Numerous drops
Leaky bowling
An Over rate that was nearly as bad as Australia’s, just 29 overs in that final session.

Mercifully thanks to the Archer/Root partnership we’re not completely out of it, but tomorrow needs to be flawless.

— James McCaghrey (@MccaghreyJames) December 5, 2025

I know England had like four drops and some of the fielding tactics were a bit off, but for the end of Day 2, I still feel like this test is still alive and England still have some chances. I’m definitely not in the ‘all is lost’ camp.

— Mark I. Harrison (@MarkIHarrison) December 5, 2025

Australia, you are going to fall in love with Jake Weatherald #Ashes

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 5, 2025

This England cricket team is fantastic, just needs to work on bowling, batting, fielding, outswing, inswing catching, running between wickets, cover drives, field placements, team selection, riding scooters, mentality, bowling rotations, fast bowling, spin bowling, wicket keeping…

— 𝑅𝒾𝒸𝑒𝓎 🐰🍙 (comms open) (@RiceyVT_) December 5, 2025

Another costly Day 2 for England. The bowlers were poor when they were fresh and they faded badly towards the end of the day. As for the fielding, you can’t put down five chances (a couple of absolute dollies!) – especially when you’re bowling so poorly. 🏏 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/BZZGlYfHbg

— Matt Watts (@MattWatts96) December 5, 2025

Horrible Fielding from England. So many catch drops. Duckett dropped Carey and Carse dropped Neser. Need to improve and work on that

— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel) December 5, 2025

ENG might still come back in this innings. They need a few bits of luck. But their response to losing the first Test of this series has been to replace a fast bowler with part-time off-spinner. A negative move.

— cricketingview (@cricketingview) December 5, 2025

Day 2, Stumps

Australia batters looked far more composed at the crease today and end the day with 44 runs lead 🏏#cricket #Ashes2025 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/EjMiiS2F94

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 5, 2025

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Nathan Lyon expresses frustration over being dropped from the Pink-Ball Test; George Bailey defends controversial decision

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