BRISBANE: Australia stormed to a commanding eight-wicket victory over England in the day-night second Ashes Test at the Gabba on Sunday, taking a powerful 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Fast bowler Michael Neser delivered a career-best 5/42, dismantling England’s batting and setting up an emphatic win.
Chasing a modest target of 65, Australia wasted no time, with stand-in captain Steve Smith finishing the match in style by launching Gus Atkinson for a towering six over square leg.
The victory further cements Australia as favourites to retain the Ashes, with upcoming Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
Smith Praises Team’s Discipline Under Lights
“It was a great day,” said Smith after the win.
“The match turned when we pushed the innings long enough to get the new ball under lights. With the pink ball, things change quickly and you must adapt.”
Smith also had a brief verbal exchange with England pacer Jofra Archer as Australia cruised towards victory.
England Outplayed in All Departments
England delivered another disappointing performance, marked by:
- Reckless batting except for contributions from Joe Root and Zak Crawley in the first innings, and Ben Stokes with Will Jacks in the second.
- Inconsistent bowling, with bowlers overusing short deliveries and failing to exploit the new pink ball.
- Five dropped catches, proving costly in contrast to Australia’s sharp fielding.
- A pivotal moment came when Josh Inglis ran out Stokes in the first innings, shifting momentum decisively.
England captain Ben Stokes admitted his side failed to handle pressure:
“Very disappointing… we didn’t stand up to the pressure of this game and this format.”
Stokes & Jacks Lead Brief Fightback
Resuming at 134-6 and trailing by 43 runs, Stokes and Jacks frustrated the Australian attack with patient batting on a hot Brisbane morning. They added crucial runs, avoiding England’s second straight collapse.
- They scored only 28 runs in the first hour.
- England moved past Australia’s lead after 96 minutes.
- Across the first two hours, they added 59 disciplined runs.
But the resistance broke shortly before the second-session drinks break:
- Will Jacks edged Michael Neser, with Smith taking a spectacular low, diving catch at slip.
- Stokes fell shortly after, edging behind to Alex Carey.
England’s tail — Atkinson, Carse and Archer — offered little resistance, allowing Neser to complete his maiden five-wicket haul.
Australia Seal Victory With Ease
With only 65 needed, Australia briefly stumbled as Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne fell cheaply. But Smith and Jake Weatherald ensured no further drama, securing a dominant win and pushing England to the brink in the Ashes series.
