England face a stern challenge to regain control in the second Ashes Test after a day of agonising missed opportunities handed Australia a significant advantage at The Gabba. The tourists trail by 44 runs heading into day three, with Australian batters Alex Carey and Michael Neser set to resume their innings on Saturday, 6 December 2025.
Costly errors put England on the back foot
Day two in Brisbane was defined by a series of painful dropped catches from England, which granted key Australian batsmen crucial reprieves. The home side capitalised fully, building a substantial first-innings lead on the back of half-centuries from Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and skipper Steve Smith.
A major partnership between Smith and Cameron Green threatened to take the game away from England entirely, before a spirited fightback sparked by seamer Brydon Carse and a spectacular catch from Will Jacks shifted momentum. Captain Ben Stokes then produced a vital breakthrough, clean bowling Josh Inglis to keep English hopes alive late in the day.
Root's defiant message amid criticism
Former captain Joe Root offered a robust defence of the team's position and mentality, despite the fielding lapses. He emphasised the human element of sport and the team's capacity to bounce back strongly.
"We’re not perfect, we’re all human and we’re going to make mistakes. But it’s how we respond," Root stated. "It’s about making sure we turn up with the right frame of mind... knowing our best game of cricket is good enough to do very special things here."
He remained defiant about England's chances, adding: "I don’t think we’re massively out of it at all." Root pointed to the potential for a rapid turnaround if the team executes its best cricket, suggesting a big score could force Australia to bat last on a deteriorating pitch.
Vaughan questions England's sharpness
In contrast to Root's optimism, former England captain Michael Vaughan delivered a stinging critique of the team's display in the field. He described the side as looking "completely jaded" and questioned the effectiveness of their preparation.
"The art of taking chances is concentration," Vaughan told BBC Sport. "If you're not out there on a regular basis, and that chance comes, you have to be concentrating to take that opportunity. The only way you get good at that is by training the brain to do it."
The stage is now set for a pivotal third day. England's bowlers require early wickets to expose the Australian tail and limit the deficit. With the pitch expected to offer more assistance as the match progresses, the first session on Saturday could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of this crucial Ashes Test.
