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Head, Labuschagne Lead Australia's Strong Reply to England's 384 in Ashes

Australia finished Day 2 of the Ashes Test at 166/2, trailing England's first-innings total of 384 by 218 runs. Travis Head is unbeaten on 91, having shared a 105-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, who made 48. England's innings was built around a magnificent 160 from Joe Root, his 41st Test century, though their tail collapsed dramatically. The hosts will look to build a substantial lead on Day 3 with Head and nightwatcher Michael Neser at the crease.

Key Points: Ashes Day 2: Australia 166/2, Trail England by 218 Runs

  • Australia reach 166/2 at stumps
  • Joe Root scores 160, matches Ricky Ponting's century tally
  • England lose last 4 wickets for 9 runs
  • Travis Head nears century on 91 not out
2 min read

Ashes: AUS reach 166/2 at stumps on Day 2 after ENG dismissed for 384

Travis Head (91*) and Marnus Labuschagne (48) guide Australia to 166/2 after England, powered by Joe Root's 160, were bowled out for 384 in the Ashes.

"Root held his nerve and reached triple figures off 146 deliveries with a firm punch down the ground - Match Report"

Sydney, Jan 5

Travis Head's unbeaten 91 and Marnus Labuschagne's 48 propelled Australia forward as the hosts reached 166/2 at stumps on Day 2, responding to England's 384 at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

Head, who is within touching distance of a 12th Test hundred and the third ton of this series, combined with Labuschagne for a rapid 105-run partnership in the evening session. Australia are still trailing England by 218 runs, with Head and nightwatcher Michael Neser (1*) unbeaten in the middle.

England were bowled out for 384 off 97.3 overs. Joe Root scored his 41st Test century, matching Australian great Ricky Ponting. He was 72 not out overnight and went on to make a fine 160, helping England post their highest total of the series.

England resumed on 211/3 on Monday after play ended early on day one. In the third over of the morning, Harry Brook was out for 84, ending his 169-run partnership with Root. Brook fell 16 runs short of his first Ashes hundred.

Soon after, England captain Ben Stokes was out for a duck, dismissed by Mitchell Starc for the 14th time in Test cricket. He edged a sharp, rising ball to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Although the on-field umpire ruled not out, Australia reviewed the decision, and Snicko showed a faint edge, leading to Stokes being given out.

But Root held his nerve and reached triple figures off 146 deliveries with a firm punch down the ground, while Jamie Smith had a reprieve after drinks when Cameron Green overstepped after the batter hit one straight to the cover fielder.

Steve Smith then turned to Labuschagne with a short-ball ploy, which paid dividends immediately as Jamie made room but played his hop shot straight to Scott Boland in the deep, breaking the 94-run stand as the visitors reached 336/6 at lunch.

After lunch, England continued to score freely as Will Jacks and Joe Root added quick runs, with Root reaching a landmark 150. However, Australia struck back after drinks, with Michael Neser and Cameron Green.

Neser dismissed Jacks, and Brydon Carse edged Green to keeper Alex Carey. Neser then took a brilliant caught-and-bowled to remove Root, and followed it up by dismissing Josh Tongue two balls later. England lost their last four wickets for just nine runs and were bowled out for 384.

Brief Scores: England 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84; Michael Neser 4-60, Scott Boland 2-85) lead Australia 166/2 (Travis Head 91*, Marnus Labuschagne 48; Ben Stokes 2-30) by 218 runs

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian fan watching, the quality of cricket is fantastic. Root matching Ponting's record is a huge achievement. But Australia's depth is showing—even with injuries, someone like Neser steps up with 4 wickets. The Ashes rivalry is something else!
A
Aman W
England's collapse at the end, losing 4 wickets for 9 runs, is where they lost the advantage. You can't do that against Australia. Head and Labuschagne's partnership was clinical. Game is leaning towards the hosts now.
S
Sarah B
Feel for Harry Brook, missing a century by 16 runs. And Ben Stokes out for a duck to Starc again—that's a real mental hold now. The DRS call was correct, but it must be frustrating for England. Root deserved more support from the middle order.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think England's batting after Root was a bit soft. Too many flashy shots. Test cricket requires patience, especially in Australia. They had a chance to get 450+ and put the game beyond reach. Now Australia are right back in it. Travis Head is a match-winner.
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Karthik V
Michael Neser! What a performance with the ball. 4 wickets and breaking the Root partnership. Shows the importance of having good bench strength. Australia always finds these gritty players. Exciting day of cricket ahead tomorrow.

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