The Ashes: Australia close in on England as Travis Head leads the charge in Sydney

Under gloomy skies and with the floodlights required for much of the evening session, Head dominated a stand of 105 with Marnus Labuschagne as Australia reached 166 for two at stumps, scoring at better than five runs per over.

Head's 91 came from just 87 balls and left him within touching distance of a 12th Test century, while nightwatchman Michael Neser survived alongside him on one not out. Despite the late surge, Australia still trail England by 218 runs.

The evening was not without edge. Labuschagne, who made 48, was dismissed edging Ben Stokes to gully after a heated exchange over the light, prompting a menacing glare from the England captain before his celebration. England also wasted a review earlier in the session when an LBW appeal was shown to be sliding down leg.

England's first-innings total of 384 - their highest of the series - was built around a masterful 160 from Joe Root. Resuming unbeaten on 72 from an overnight 211 for three, Root went on to register his 41st Test century, equalling Ricky Ponting's tally, and the 17th time he has passed 150 in Tests. He reached three figures in just 146 deliveries, celebrating in subdued fashion.

Root shared a pivotal 169-run partnership with Harry Brook, who fell early on day two, edging a wide delivery to Steve Smith at first slip, 16 short of a maiden Ashes hundred.

Jamie Smith added further impetus with a risky 46, including a hooked six off Mitchell Starc, before Australia struck back after lunch, triggering a collapse of four wickets for nine runs.

Michael Neser was Australia's standout bowler with four wickets, including a diving caught-and-bowled to finally dismiss Root, before safely seeing out the close with the bat. 

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