The Ashes: Joe Root took a brilliant catch and ended Labuschagne's innings, Watch VIDEO

On Day 2 of the ongoing Ashes Test at The Oval on Friday, Joe Root made an absolutely sensational catch to put a stop to Marnus Labuschagne's patient innings. Labuschagne faced 82 balls and managed just nine runs, which did little to aid Australia's scoring rate.

The pitch was pitched on a decent length by Mark Wood, giving the right-hander just enough room to grab his outside edge. As the edge flew, cutting practically in half the distance between first slipper Joe Root and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, Labuschagne appeared to be caught on the crease.

Joe Root had to dive to his left so as to grab the ball, which added to the excitement of the catch. Marnus Labuschagne had to leave with a look of bewilderment as the England fielders crowded around Root in joy. Here is a clip of the firing:

The catch by Joe Root might make England feel better.Australia bowl England out for just 283 and took the lead at the end of Day 1 at 61/1. The visitors, though, were unable to get off to the kind of strong start on Day 2 that they required to maintain their lead in the Test.

In the opening hour of play, only 21 runs were added by Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja, despite the hosts being able to pose some challenging questions because to the difficult playing conditions. England likely needed Joe Root's catch to reinforce their confidence in their work thus far and would be motivated to pick up at least one more wicket before lunch.

Khawaja has been joined at the crease by Steve Smith, and both players are aware that a strong combination might give Australia a solid foundation from which to attempt to grab a sizable first-innings advantage. Their first objective would be to enter lunch without adding to the damage already done to the wickets column.