The Ashes | Gabba Test, Day 2: Australia dominate as Warner-Labuschagne attack Leach in century stand

An unbeaten 103 run partnership between David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne took Australia to a dominant position at lunch on the second day of the first Ashes Test at Gabba. Labuschagne was unbeaten on 53 while Warner was just two runs away from his half century as Australia reached 113/1 and are just 34 runs behind England’s first innings total of 147 runs.

Both of them were lucky as well though with Warner becoming a survivor due to Ben Stokes’ overstepping on several occasions and most importantly on the ball he bowled the left-hander. Labuschagne was lucky to escape a close call as a genuine edge off the bowling of Chris Woakes did not carry to Joe Root at first slip.

Both Labuschagne and Warner took a liking to Jack Leach and in an ominous sign of hitting the left arm spinner out of attack so that Root is compelled to use his pacers more, both came down heavily on him. Warner was full of intent against him and tried to tee off from the very first ball. However, he had to wait for the second over to start his onslaught and he punished Leach for two sixes to show his intentions. 

There was no respite for Leach from the other end as well with Labuchagne looking determined to put him under enormous pressure. He hit him for four on the final ball of the second over and followed that over with a 17-run over including a six over long-on to establish Australia’s domination.

Things are not looking good for England at the moment and they need a bit of spark from the bowlers on a true Gabba surface which still has something to offer for the bowlers to come back in the game.