England head into the break at 98/2 after 24 overs, recovering strongly from a shaky start in the opening session of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. After Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell with the pink ball removed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope inside the first three overs, the visitors risked slipping into deeper trouble.
But Zak Crawley (61 off 80)* and Joe Root (32 off 60)* stitched together a vital, composed partnership worth 93 runs, defying Australia’s all-pace attack under helpful conditions.
Starc remained the biggest threat, operating at high pace and generating movement, but once the ball softened, Crawley and Root settled in confidently—Crawley in particular showing excellent judgement outside off and punishing anything loose.
Australia will be concerned about the partnership growing further, especially with the real swing expected to arrive under lights in the day-night contest. England, meanwhile, will look to build on this platform and push towards a strong first-innings total.
Session Summary:
• England 98/2 (24)
• Crawley 61*, Root 32*
• Starc 2/26
• Partnership: 93(129)
Plenty of intrigue awaits in the second session—will Australia break through once the pink ball begins to talk again, or will England continue their rebuild?
