Joe Root said it was "one of those days" in the field as dropped catches left England in a precarious position after day two of the second Ashes test in Brisbane.

Australia ended the day on 378-6, already 44 runs ahead of England’s first inning total of 334 with four wickets still in hand, and Alex Carey, who was dropped twice, not out on 46.

England toiled in the field for much of the day, with Jake Weatherhald, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith all scoring half-centuries, but they fought their way back into the match to leave Australia five adrift of their first innings with six wickets down after Ben Stokes had bowled Josh Inglis for 23.

However, Australia were able to build an innings lead as the likes of Ben Duckett, Brydon Carse and Root all spurned catching opportunities, while wicket-keeper Jamie Smith dropped Travis Head in the first session of the day.

Root, who finished England's innings on an unbeaten 138, knows the tourists underperformed in several aspects, but still believed they have a healthy chance of victory at the Gabba.

He told TNT Sports: "You still back yourself to [take catches]. We did a lot of work before the game but unfortunately it’s one of those days didn’t quite stick.

"It’s clear we weren’t at our best in phases of the game. We’re got work to do tomorrow but we’re well and truly in this game.

"We have to come out tomorrow with a huge amount of energy and positivity. We know that our best cricket can turn a game really quickly.

"If we’re anywhere near our best, this game can turn in our favour. It could be very tricky batting last on their surface."

3 wickets for Carse
2 wickets for Stokes

Australia move into a lead late on Day Two pic.twitter.com/EpuRBaKwTI

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 5, 2025

Labuschagne continued his strong form with his second half-century of the series already, scoring 65, and while he was frustrated at his own dismissal, he was pleased with Australia's overall display.

He said: "Getting out for 65 just as it was changing from day to night wasn’t ideal. But the boys handled it well, played with great intent and got us into a good position.

"If you’re bowling good balls in the channel at the Gabba, with the extra bounce, it’s tough to score. It was a nice wicket and that plays its part. It’s a little bit crack-y here and there but the majority of the time, when the ball hits the wicket it’s really nice.

"The two guys at the top grabbed the momentum; Weathers [Weatherald] played beautifully. When we came in off the back of that we were able to piggyback them and continue to put pressure on."