DAY 3: Australia tighten grip on at the Gabba

Australia strengthened their position on the third day of the second Ashes test in Brisbane, extending their lead over England after a gritty lower-order fightback. Resuming at 378/6, the hosts pushed past 400 runs, with Alex Carey’s composed 63 anchoring the innings before falling to Gus Atkinson. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland frustrated England further, adding valuable runs as the lead crossed 100.

England’s bowlers, led by Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse, worked tirelessly under the pink ball, sharing six wickets between them. However, dropped catches and missed chances continued to haunt the visitors, allowing Australia to build a commanding advantage.

At stumps, Australia were 447/8, leading by 113 runs after England’s first-innings 334. With two days left, England face an uphill battle to claw back into the contest as Australia eye a 2-0 series lead.

AUSTRALIA: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett

ENGLAND: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.