BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Australia built a 44-run first-innings lead after two days of the second Ashes cricket test, with the top order all getting starts Friday to help the hosts reach 378-6 at stumps.

Five dropped catches and some wayward bowling dented England's momentum, and allowed Australia's batters to capitalize.

Opener Jake Weatherald led from the start of Australia's innings with 72 from 78 balls, Marnus Labuschagne (65) completed back-to-back half centuries, and stand-in skipper Steve Smith made 61 as bat dominated ball despite some uneven bounce at the Gabba.

Alex Carey was dropped before he'd scored and again on 25, but survived to be unbeaten on 46 off 45 balls at stumps. Michael Neser also got a reprieve before finishing not out 15 in a 49-run seventh-wicket stand.

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