Ashes 2025-26: Australia vs England Highlights & Review – 5th Test, Day 2

How did Day 2 of the 5th Ashes Test go between Australia vs England

Day 2 of the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG saw England let a strong position slip before Australia came back brilliantly with the bat. Resuming on 211/3, England looked set for a strong total, with Joe Root and Harry Brook well placed. However, the morning session belonged to the hosts as they removed Brook for 84 and dismissed Ben Stokes for a duck. Root, though, went on to score 160. He got support in patches from Jamie Smith (46) and Will Jacks (27), but Australia’s bowling, including Michael Neser’s 4/60, ensured the visitors were bundled out for 384, around 50-70 runs short of what they might have hoped for on a good batting surface.

Australia then seized the opportunity late in the day. Travis Head raced to an unbeaten 91, while Marnus Labuschagne added 48. Despite Ben Stokes picking up two wickets, England struggled to contain the scoring. At stumps, Australia were 166/2, trailing by 218 runs. Day 2 ended with Neser, who walked in as a nightwatchman, getting hit on his hand, leading to medical assistance. A light rain led to the umpires calling for stumps.

Top batting performances — Joe Root

Joe Root once again held England's innings as wickets kept falling around him regularly. Root held the innings together with a 160 off 242 balls, and laced his knock with 15 boundaries, ensuring England posted a 384 after being bowled out by Tea. The century was Root’s second of the series and his 41st in Test cricket, a feat that saw him equal Ricky Ponting on the all-time list of Test hundreds. In the process, Root also moved to 13,937 Test runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the format’s history. 

Top bowling performances — Michael Neser

Right-arm pacer Michael Neser was the pick of the bowlers for the home team, finishing with figures of 4/60 in his 18.3 overs. After picking one wicket on the opening day, Neser added three more to his tally, including that of ceturioun Root. His other victims included Zak Crawley, Will Jacks and Josh Tongue.