Overview
- Australia reached 166-2 at stumps on day two, trailing by 218, with Travis Head 91 not out and nightwatchman Michael Neser on one.
- Joe Root’s 160 was his 41st Test hundred, drawing him level with Ricky Ponting, and anchored England’s first-innings 384.
- Neser led Australia’s attack with 4-60, removing Root with a diving caught-and-bowled before bowling Josh Tongue to end the innings.
- England’s reply with the ball faltered through wayward new-ball spells from Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse and dropped chances by Joe Root and Ben Duckett.
- Ben Stokes dismissed Jake Weatherald lbw and Marnus Labuschagne late in the session after a terse exchange, as the ECB reported Root had back discomfort.