Steve Smith finished day two on 64 not out to spark an Australia comeback after losing their top four for 76 runs.
It was a dominant day two for the bowlers that saw 10 wickets fall for 106 runs. England, after ending day one on 196-4, collapsed to 302 all out – Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon grabbed two wickets apiece. Starc initiated the collapse when he removed Dawid Malan after a well-played 56, and Lyon removed Moeen Ali (38) as England withered.
Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Jake Ball and Ali got in on the action as Australia’s top four were toppled for 76, Ball removing the dangerous David Warner on 26. Australia clawed their way back into the contest scoring at just under three runs an over to end the day on 165-4.
Smith played a captain’s hand grinding out his 22nd half-century off 148 balls, and he was supported well by Shaun Marsh, who finished on a 122-ball 44.
England will have their work cut out for them with Smith still at the crease. The Aussie captain has 21 centuries to his name, and after scoring his 23rd half-century in Brisbane, will be expected to maintain his phenomenal conversion rate.
Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
