By
SABC Sport
5th December 2025
After the tourists were bowled out for 334, Australia opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald put on a 77-run stand in 13 overs.
Head continued his aggressive nature after a swashbuckling century in the first Test but this time only got to 33 when the left-hander skied a delivery from Brydon Carse to be caught for 33.
Weatherald struck a maiden Test fifty and made his way to 72 but out lbw to Jofra Archer as picked up his first wicket.
Marnus Labuschagne scored the second fifty of the innings but went out caught behind to Ben Stokes for 65.
The home side continued to attack the bowlers and the hosts were going at over five runs to the over for the innings.
Australia skipper Steve Smith was measured as he made his 61 off 85 deliveries but England struck a triple-blow before the close of play to get into the contest.
Alex Carey though was unbeaten on 46 from 45 balls while Michael Neser was 15 not out as the the home side breached the 370-runs mark.
