The Warrnambool-raised golfer fired a five-under par 67 to catapult into the top-five at the prestigious Augusta competition.

He sits equal fourth, two shots off the pace.

Brit Justin Rose, who shot seven-under on day one, leads from American duo Will Zalatoris and Brian Harman, who are both one shot adrift.

Leishman, who had an even-par opening round, is tied for fourth with American Jordan Spieth.

Leishman was the best of the Australian contingent with Cam Smith (tied for 13^th at two-under) and Matt Jones (tied for 17^th at one-under) also producing strong starts.

Past winner Adam Scott just made the cut at plus-three while Jason Day (plus-nine) missed out.

2017 winner, Spain's Sergio Garcia, also missed the cut as did last year's victor Dustin Johnson.

Brooks Koepka, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy were among the big names to miss the cut too.

Leishman, whose best result at Augusta was tied for fourth in 2013, started his second round with three birdies.

He also had birdies on the 12^th, 13^th and 15^th holes.

His only blemish was a bogey on the par-four 11^th.

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