Weatherald Shines as Australia Chases England's Total in Ashes Test

Brisbane, Dec 5 (AP) Jake Weatherald launched a spirited counterattack at the start of Australia's innings on Friday, marking his maiden Test half-century as the hosts reached 130-1 at the first break on Day 2, responding to England's total of 334 in the second Ashes Test.

Weatherald, who was dismissed for a second-ball duck on his Test debut last month in Perth, remained unbeaten on 59. He shared partnerships of 77 with Travis Head, who scored 33, and 53 with Marnus Labuschagne. Only two wickets fell in the first session — one for each team — under warm and bright conditions at the day-night match held at the Gabba.

England resumed Day 2 at 325-9, adding nine runs in 14 balls before No. 11 Jofra Archer was dismissed, leaving Joe Root unbeaten on 138 runs. Root, the world's top-ranked Test batter, recorded his first century in an Ashes match in Australia late on Day 1, sharing a 70-run last-wicket partnership with Archer.

Australia's charge was led by the 31-year-old Weatherald, who made scoring look effortless as he raced to 50 off 45 balls, hitting nine boundaries and a six, utilizing a series of cuts and uppercuts.

Travis Head, who starred in Australia's eight-wicket victory in the series opener in Perth, added 30 runs after being given a second chance when wicketkeeper Jamie Smith dropped him in the ninth over off Archer's bowling. Encouraged by Weatherald's aggressive start, Head went straight on the attack.

Marnus Labuschagne replaced Head at the crease, maintaining the aggressive tempo and scoring 27 off 29 balls. The Australians scored at a brisk run-rate of 6.19 over 21 overs.

Regarding England's first innings, Brendan Doggett claimed the final wicket when Archer hooked the ball and Labuschagne made a diving, one-handed catch at backward square. England's innings lasted 76.2 overs.

Root faced 206 deliveries to achieve his much-awaited century, his first in four Ashes tours to Australia. Archer contributed 38 runs off 36 balls, marking his highest Test score, with his innings featuring two sixes and two boundaries, including a classic square drive in Mitchell Starc's first over of the day.

Root formed pivotal partnerships of 117 with Zac Crawley (76), 54 with Harry Brook (31), and 70 with Archer. Starc returned impressive figures of 6-75 from 20 overs, raising his series total to 16 wickets.

As the game transitions into the evening and night sessions, the pink ball in day-night Test matches poses challenges as visibility decreases. This situation could potentially favor England's bowlers as they attempt to curb Australia's aggressive run rate. (AP)

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