Joe Root continued where he left off yesterday and scored a brilliant 138 not out to give England hope of bringing the Ashes home heading into Australia’s first innings with the bat. Jofra Archer added an impressive 38 from 36 deliveries to frustrate the Aussies before they finally got their breakthrough and bowled the tourists out for 334. Ben Stokes’ side were full of hope but the Australian top order soon quashed any optimism.
Jake Weatherald smashed his way to 72, before Marnus Labuschagne added 65 and Steve Smith 61 runs to put the hosts in a commanding position. Australia were 291-3 and cruising before Brydon Carse found two quick wickets to see off Cameron Green and then Smith thanks to a brilliant take from Will Jacks. England’s bowlers were battered and bruised with the hosts in the driving seat, now 44 runs ahead on 378-6 ahead of day three. Here’s how the Express rated England players at the end of day two at the Gabba.
Zak Crawley – 7
Impressed with the bat yesterday and got England’s scorecard motoring.
Ben Duckett – 3
Out for a duck yesterday and dropped Alex Carey on a duck. Bizarrely, that dropped catch worked out in England’s favour getting Steve Smith a delivery later.
Ollie Pope – 3
A poor day with the bat and went under the radar in the field today.
Joe Root – 9
A beautiful knock with the bat, 138 not out and one that his fellow batters should take note of.
Harry Brook – 5
Gave his wicket away cheaply and came under fire from Michael Vaughan today after Marnus Labuschagne’s display with the bat. Needs to learn quickly.
Ben Stokes – 6
Gave away his wicket when England could have piled on the runs. Struggled with the ball in hand in the first session but bowled much better after the first interval. Took a big wicket in Labuschagne before keeping the pressure on by dismissing Josh Inglis.
Jamie Smith – 3
Out for a duck yesterday and dropped Travis Head in what looked a straightforward catch. Dropped catches are part of the game and took a good catch down low to see off Labuschagne. Stood still and watched the ball make its way through to Root in the slips when Carey edged. It looked like a simple take for the wicketkeeper.
Will Jacks – 5
Helped Joe Root reach his century yesterday but was hammered round the ground in his first over. That was his only spell of the day but he stayed alert and caught Steve Smith with a sensational catch.
Gus Atkinson – 6
Struggled with the bat and wasn’t able to make the most of the new ball period. He was England’s best bowler and took a tricky catch to get rid of Head.
Brydon Carse – 5
Out for a duck yesterday and bowled far too wide and short. Took the wicket of Head but was expensive. In just five overs, Australia were able to add 45 to their morning tally. Had a real tough afternoon, but two-wickets in quick succession sparked England into life. Dropped a simple catch from Neser late on.
Jofra Archer – 6
A brilliant final wicket stand with Root, adding 70 to England’s total and put them in a good position. However, he struggled to find line and length with the new ball. When he did improve, he trapped Weatherald lbw. His wicket tally should have been higher but his teammates dropped too many catches.
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