BRISBANE: Jake Weatherald posted his maiden test half-century and Marnus Labuschagne completed back-to-back 50s to help Australia reach 228-3 at the end of the middle session on Day 2 in reply to England’s 334 in the second Ashes test.

The 31-year-old Weatherald, who was out for a duck in his test debut last month, scored 72 from and shared partnerships of 77 with Travis Head (33) and 69 with Labuschagne to get Australia’s chase away to a flier.

Steve Smith was 24 and Cameron Green was on 22 at the short interval before the night session. The Gabba pitch was already starting to produce some uneven bounce, likely making it tricky for the batters facing the pink ball under lights.

Smith has already had treatment after being hit on the elbow by a delivery from Brydon Carse that rose sharp

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