Weatherald and Labuschagne fifties help Australia take lead over England on Day 2

A relentless Australia seized a 44-run lead over England in the day-night second Ashes Test in Brisbane on Friday, with aggressive opener Jake Weatherald and Steve Smith leading the charge.

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By stumps the hosts had not only reeled in England's first-innings 334 but raced clear, ending a draining day two on 378-6 in front of a big and boisterous crowd at a humid Gabba.

A decent lead is shaping as pivotal, with the pitch likely to deteriorate in the coming days.

The hosts are l-Oup in the series after beating England in Perth inside two days.

"That was a crucial last hour there for us. To get to the end of play six down gives us a bit of time in the morning in that day session," said Marnus Labuschagne, who cracked 65.

At close Alex Carey, who was dropped first ball and again on 25, was not-out 46 with Michael Neser on 15, but England's pace cartel made inroads under lights in the evening session in a semblance of a fightback.

Australia were cruising at 291-3 before the expensive Brydon Carse removed Cameron Green (45) and Smith (61) in four deliveries as England's short-ball tactics paid off.

The bowlers though were guilty of too many loose deliveries while four easy catches were put down.