Overview
- At stumps on day two of the fifth Ashes Test, Australia were 166-2 in reply to England's 384, trailing by 218 with Travis Head unbeaten on 91.
- Australia have already retained the Ashes with a 3-1 series lead, leaving pride and World Test Championship points at stake in Sydney.
- Michael Neser led Australia's attack with 4-60, including a diving caught-and-bowled to remove Root, as England's last four wickets fell for nine runs.
- England's new-ball bowling and fielding faltered, with Matthew Potts conceding 58 in seven overs, Brydon Carse wayward, and chances to dismiss Jake Weatherald dropped by Joe Root and Ben Duckett.
- Ben Stokes claimed both Australian wickets, trapping Weatherald lbw and later having Marnus Labuschagne caught at gully after a heated on-field exchange.