WE'LL NEVER LOSE OUR WILL TO WIN

WILL JACKS took one of the great Ashes catches - but it was a day that ended with England hero Joe Root insisting the wheels have not come off their campaign to win back the urn.

- RORY DOLLARD

In contrast to Jacks' sensational effort to dismiss captain Steve Smith, dropped catches handed Australia five extra lives and a first-innings lead at the Gabba.

Root's unbeaten 138 - his long-awaited maiden hundred Down Under - carried the tourists to a competitive 334 but a disappointing day two display saw Australia take the initiative in this floodlit Test.

They ended 44 in front on 378-6, helped along the way by some scattershot bowling and a handful of missed opportunities. Stuart Broad labelled his former team's initial efforts with the ball "an absolute disaster" on Channel 7 and when the chances did come, England fluffed their lines too often.