Travis Head’s unbeaten 91 and Marnus Labuschagne’s fluent 48 pushed Australia to 166/2 at stumps on Day 2 at the SCG, replying to England’s 384.
Head and Labuschagne added a brisk 105 in the evening, leaving Australia 218 runs adrift with Michael Neser 1* alongside Head. Earlier, England were powered by Joe Root’s superb 160, his 41st Test hundred, equalling Ricky Ponting. Harry Brook made 84, while Ben Stokes fell for a duck. Michael Neser’s 4-60 led Australia’s bowling effort.
England resumed strongly, but Australia struck after drinks as Root finally fell and the tail offered limited resistance overall control.