Daijiworld Media Network - Sydney

Sydney, Jan 5: Travis Head’s fluent unbeaten 91, supported by Marnus Labuschagne’s solid 48, kept Australia in contention as the hosts reached 166 for 2 at stumps on Day 2 of the Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

Replying to England’s first-innings total of 384, Australia still trail by 218 runs, with Head and nightwatchman Michael Neser (1 not out) set to resume on Day 3. Head is closing in on his 12th Test century and his third hundred of the series, having anchored a rapid 105-run partnership with Labuschagne during an entertaining evening session.

Earlier in the day, England were dismissed for 384 in 97.3 overs, largely on the back of a magnificent innings from Joe Root. The former captain resumed on 72 not out and went on to score a commanding 160, registering his 41st Test century and equalling Ricky Ponting’s tally. It was England’s highest total of the series.

England began the morning on 211 for 3, but lost Harry Brook early when he was dismissed for 84, falling just short of his maiden Ashes hundred and ending a dominant 169-run stand with Root. Soon after, skipper Ben Stokes was removed for a duck by Mitchell Starc, edging a rising delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Although initially given not out, Australia overturned the decision on review with Snicko confirming a faint edge.

Root continued to hold England together, reaching his hundred off 146 balls with a confident drive down the ground. Jamie Smith survived briefly after drinks when Cameron Green overstepped for a delivery that resulted in a catch, but Australia struck back before lunch. Labuschagne’s short-ball tactic worked immediately as Smith miscued a shot to Scott Boland in the deep, ending a 94-run partnership and sending England to lunch at 336 for 6.

After the interval, Root and Will Jacks kept the scoreboard moving, with Root bringing up 150. However, Australia tightened their grip after drinks.

Michael Neser and Cameron Green sparked a collapse, with Neser dismissing Jacks and then producing a sharp caught-and-bowled to remove Root. Green accounted for Brydon Carse, and Neser followed up by dismissing Josh Tongue two balls later as England lost their final four wickets for just nine runs.

In reply, Australia lost early wickets but steadied through Head and Labuschagne, whose positive approach put pressure back on the England attack. Labuschagne fell late in the day, but Head ensured Australia finished on a stable note.

Brief Scores:

England 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84; Michael Neser 4/60, Scott Boland 2/85)
Australia 166/2 (Travis Head 91*, Marnus Labuschagne 48; Ben Stokes 2/30)
England lead by 218 runs