Joe Root played an unlikely starring role with the ball as England held Australia to 161 for three after 30 overs of the second one-day international.

Root’s part-time off-spin proved a trump card at the Gabba as he trapped home captain Steve Smith lbw for 18 and had Travis Head caught and bowled in a tidy spell.

Moeen Ali had earlier got the ball rolling by ending a lively start from David Warner (35).

Australia were relying on Aaron Finch, just as they did when he scored a century in vain at the MCG, with the opener’s unbeaten 81 coming at almost a run-a-ball.

England were unchanged but Australia showed three changes – Alex Carey and Jhye Richardson making debuts and Cameron White recalled after three years.