Head, Warner Star As Australia Tightens Grip On 1st Ashes Test

Cricket Image for Head, Warner Star As Australia Tightens Grip On 1st Ashes Test (Image Source: AFP)

Travis Head's century and David Warner's 94 helped Australia take a lead of 196 runs at the end of day 2 of the 1st Ashes Test here at the Gabba, Brisbane. 

Resuming the day after yesterday's third session got washed out, England struck early to remove Marcus Harris for just three. However, after that, it all went down for England, quite literally. 

They dropped Warner twice, missed a runout, and got him out on a no-ball as the star opener stitched a 156-run partnership for the second wicket with Marnus Labuschagne. The duo looked solid while riding on luck and took Australia above England's 147. 

Labuschagne gifted his wicket on 74 in the post-lunch session to Jack Leach, who till then had gone for 50 runs in his six overs. In the next eight overs, Australia lost four wickets including Steve Smith and Warner. 

Smith edged one to the keeper for 12 while Warner, finally after four lifelines, got out on 94 off Ollie Robinson, who also removed Cameron Green for a first-ball duck. Debutant Alex Carey couldn't do much and scored 12 off 32 before Chris Woakes got him out. 

Travis Head, on the other end, began to counterattack as England began to lose their bowlers. While Ben Stokes was looking out of sorts and had to bowl with a short runup, Robinson was off the field due to a hamstring stretch. 

Joe Root had to bowl himself and he removed Australia's captain Pat Cummins, who also scored 12. Head till then was on fire and smashing boundaries at will. He reached his hundred in 85 balls - third fastest in men's Ashes. He also became the fourth-fastest Australian to score a hundred in a Test inning. 

Australia ended the day with a lead of 196 and Travis Head still at the crease on 112 from 95 balls along with Mitchell Starc. 

Brief Scorecard: 

Australia - 343/7 in 84 overs