Dropped chances cost England as Australia builds lead in second Ashes Test

The ball was pink and the intervals unconventional, but much of the second day in this crucial day-night Test saw England’s supporters endure a drearily familiar spectacle at the Gabba.

The celebration following Joe Root’s century 24 hours earlier faded, replaced by growing unease. England’s bowlers frequently delivered erratic balls, making Jackson Pollock seem meticulous by comparison.

Fielding compounded their woes, with five spilled chances across three sessions. Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith, both dismissed without scoring on day one, contributed two misses each. Taking 20 wickets in Australia is daunting enough without pressure turning hands clumsy.

Yet by stumps, despite reprieved batsmen Alex Carey and Michael Neser adding late runs, Ben Stokes’ side remarkably clung to contention. Australia, ominously placed at 291 for three during the evening, finished at 378 for six—a 44-run lead that mattered but wasn’t decisive.

Stokes likely reassured his team overnight, despite his own wayward bowling. His resilience surfaced when Duckett dropped Josh Inglis on 23, only for Stokes to uproot the batter’s middle stump two deliveries later.

Chaos defined the night session under lights. Brydon Carse epitomized the tumult: his 17 overs leaked 113 runs, yet he removed Cameron Green (45) and Steve Smith (61) before shelling a simple chance off Neser.

England also tasted their own aggressive approach turned against them, as Australia scored briskly at five runs per over. Crucially, each new batter sustained momentum. Apart from Green—bowled by Carse attempting an ill-advised shot—wickets required genuine effort.

The wicketkeepers’ contrasting days emphasized the gap. Carey’s flawless glovework on day one preceded an unbeaten 46 with the bat, steadying Australia after Duckett’s drop.

Jamie Smith, a rookie in his maiden Ashes series, endured a tougher initiation. He missed Travis Head (33) early—a straightforward spill—and later froze when Carey offered another chance. Australia, propelled by Jake Weatherald’s lively 72, had raced to 130 for one by lunch, leaving England desperate for Smith’s fortunes to shift swiftly.