Half-centuries from top-order batsmen Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), and Steve Smith (61) easily surpassed England's first innings total of 334 as Australia closed the day at 378 for six, leading by 44 runs.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey (46 not out) and tailender Michael Neser (15 not out) stood firm in the final half-hour under the lights and aim to extend Australia's advantage on day three.

"That last hour was vital for us," said number three batsman Labuschagne, who notched his second fifty of the series.

"Finishing the day six wickets down gives us some time in the morning session and pushes our bowling into the later part of the night."

Although England took three wickets in the final session, they also dropped four catches under the floodlights.

Ben Duckett missed two chances, first letting Carey off the hook on zero after Carse's delivery glanced off the batter's gloves.

Shortly after, number seven batsman Josh Inglis (23) sent a shot through Duckett's hands in the gully.

The errors continued as Carse dropped Neser on six off a Jofra Archer delivery before Joe Root reacted late to a nick from Carey at 25.

Root missed a one-handed catch, denying pacer Gus Atkinson his first wicket of the series.

England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith set the tone early by dropping opener Travis Head on three when Archer caught his edge.

Head went on to score 33 before being caught attempting a slog over Carse's head.

"We train very hard," Root commented on England's fielding.

"We had five days of preparation and ensured we did our work. Unfortunately, today was one of those days where a few chances just didn’t stick."

While England struggled, all-rounder Will Jacks made a spectacular diving one-handed catch at backward square leg to dismiss Smith as the Australian captain tried to pull Carse to the boundary.

That was a rare positive for England, who were bowled out for 334, adding nine runs to their overnight 325 for nine.

With Archer caught brilliantly by a diving Labuschagne for 38, Root remained unbeaten on 138, marking his first Test century in Australia.

England fans' cheers faded quickly due to a poor opening session from their errant bowlers.

Bowling too short and wide, they failed to create pressure and were punished accordingly.

Australia reached 130 for one at six runs per over by the first session break and ended the day with a run rate comfortably above five, displaying their own version of 'Bazball'.

Carse was heavily attacked by the batsmen but fought back with a burst of two wickets in four balls, dismissing number five Cameron Green for 45 and then taking the prized wicket of Smith.

He finished with figures of 3-113, conceding 6.6 runs per over.

Ben Stokes made important breakthroughs by catching Labuschagne behind and later bowling Inglis.

However, the England captain’s bowling was cut short due to cramping in the final session.

After losing the Perth opener by eight wickets and trailing 1-0, England must dismiss Australia quickly on Saturday to stay competitive in the match and series.

"We still have work to do tomorrow, but we are definitely still in this game," Root said.

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