Australia surges past England, takes 44-run lead in Brisbane Ashes Test.

• Australia leads England by 44 runs in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, ending Day 2 at 378-6 after England's 334.
• Jake Weatherald (72) and Steve Smith (61) led Australia's batting, with Alex Carey (46*) and Michael Neser (15*) unbeaten.
• England's Brydon Carse took crucial wickets, including Cameron Green and Steve Smith, despite dropped catches.
• Joe Root scored an epic 138 not out for England in their first innings, and Mitchell Starc took 6-75 for Australia.
• Australia is already 1-0 up in the series, having won the first Test in Perth.

Why It Matters: Australia's commanding lead puts them in control of the Ashes series.