The hosts made serious inroads on England’s 334 as they feasted on some wayward fare with the pink ball.

England were fighting to keep Australia in check on day two of the second Ashes Test after an uninspired effort from their bowling attack.

Joe Root ensured his first century on Australian soil was an unbeaten one, finishing 138 not out in a total of 334, but the hosts made serious inroads as they feasted on some wayward fare with the pink ball.

At the second break Australia were 228 for three, with 72 from Jake Weatherald and 65 for Marnus Labuschagne taking chunks out of the English lead.

The tourists were all over the place in the first session, coughing up 130 runs in 21 overs despite starting with three maidens.

England’s spirits visibly dipped after a shoddy drop from wicketke

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