Australia Tightens Grip with Strong First Innings Total of 511 in Second Ashes Test

Australia has strengthened its control in the second Ashes Test after posting a commanding 511 runs in the first innings, putting England on the back foot at the Gabba.

Resuming play on Day 3 at 378 for 6, Australia lost Michael Neser early for 16, adding only five runs before his dismissal. Alex Carey contributed a valuable 63, while Mitchell Starc delivered a career-best performance with the bat, scoring a crucial 77. Brendan Doggett made 13, and Scott Boland remained unbeaten on 21.

Earlier in the innings, Australia benefitted from consistent contributions across the top order — Jake Weatherald scored 72, Marnus Labuschagne 65, captain Steve Smith 61, followed by Cameron Green’s 45, Travis Head’s 33, and Josh Inglis’ 23.

For England, Brydon Carse led the attack with four wickets, while Ben Stokes claimed three. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Will Jacks chipped in with a wicket each.

England had earlier been bowled out for 334, where Joe Root stood tall with an unbeaten 138. Australia’s Mitchell Starc dominated with the ball, taking six wickets, while Neser, Doggett, and Boland collected one each.

Notably, this is the first time since January 2018 that England has managed to score 300-plus runs in a Test innings on Australian soil, but Australia’s 511 has firmly put the hosts in command as the match progresses.