Joe Root has defended England 's preparations ahead of the second Test after the tourists missed five chances on day two at the Gabba, four of which came in a final session under lights that allowed Australia to establish a crucial 44-run lead with four first-innings wickets remaining.

Root's first century on an Ashes tour had given England a workable total of 334. But they were unable to make it count through wayward bowling and an array of spurned chances. All but one came after sunset, when the pink ball becomes harder to see under the floodlights, allowing the hosts to close on 378 for 6.

Travis Head, shifted up to open the batting, was missed badly by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith on 3, and went on to make 33. During the final session, Ben Duckett missed a pop-up at gully that wou

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