The Ashes: England fight but face battle to beat Australia at the Gabba

England produced a floodlit fightback late on the second day of the second Test against Australia but still face a huge battle to stay alive in the Ashes after missing five chances at the Gabba.

Australia were on course for a substantial first-innings lead until Brydon Carse summoned the energy for a hostile spell in the Brisbane night.

In the same over, Carse bowled Cameron Green for 45 and then ended Steve Smith’s march to yet another Ashes century on 61 thanks to a wonder catch from Will Jacks.

When captain Ben Stokes bowled Josh Inglis, Australia had lost three wickets for 38 runs and eventually closed on 378-6, 44 ahead at the Gabba.

England are still in the match despite being woeful for much of Friday. It was a performance that had all the characteristics of their 16-Test winless run in this country and 39-year winless run on this ground.

The tourists added only nine to their overnight 325-9 to be all out for 334, then allowed Australia to get away with some scattergun bowling before the first interval.

Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith’s drop of Travis Head was the first of the quintet of chances England missed.

Jake Weatherald slashed 72 and Marnus Labuschagne made 65 before Smith and Green added 95 for the fourth wicket.

The came the Carse-inspired revival. Whether it was too late to keep Australia to a lead England can manage will be revealed on Saturday.

Alex Carey – twice – and Michael Neser were both given reprieves under the lights and remain on 46 and 15 respectively.