CRICKET: Australia 450-8, lead by 116 runs in second Ashes test

Australia Extend Lead in Second Ashes Test at Brisbane. Alex Carey scored a half-century, while tailender Mitchell Starc closed in on one as Australia reached 450 for eight at tea on day three of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane on Saturday, extending their lead to 116 runs over England.

Starc was 46 not out, with fellow tailender Scott Boland on seven, as the Gabba baked under a hot and sunny afternoon.

Australia resumed at 378 for six, with wicketkeeper Carey and tailender Michael Neser looking to build a big lead in the day-night Test, following England's first innings total of 334.

England captain Ben Stokes had Neser caught behind for 16, ending a 54-run partnership with Carey. Carey then added another 33 runs with Starc before falling to Gus Atkinson, who claimed his first wicket of the series when Carey was caught behind trying to cut the seamer.

Starc and Boland frustrated England with an unbroken 34-run partnership to see Australia through to the break.

With their hopes of saving the match dwindling, England will need to claim Australia’s remaining wickets quickly after the resumption and make significant inroads into the deficit before facing a challenging session under the lights with the pink ball.

Australia currently leads the five-test series 1-0 following their eight-wicket win in Perth. -Ian Ransom in Melbourne/Reuters Credit: Hollie Adams