ENG vs AUS (2nd Test) – Highlights
The Gabba has long been considered a fortress for Australian cricket, and the 2nd Test of the 2025 Ashes series reinforced that reputation as the hosts secured a comprehensive eight-wicket victory under the lights in Brisbane. While England showed flashes of brilliance, particularly through the bat of Joe Root, the sheer depth of the Australian lineup and a standout all-round performance from Mitchell Starc proved too much for the visitors to handle. The match ended comfortably on the fourth day, leaving ENG with significant questions to answer regarding their bowling penetration and batting consistency.
England’s first innings was defined by a lone hand of brilliance from Joe Root. After being inserted to bat, the visitors stumbled early with Mitchell Starc removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope cheaply. However, Root anchored the innings with a majestic, unbeaten 138 off 206 balls, finding reasonable support from Zak Crawley, who scored a fluid 76. Despite their efforts, the rest of the order failed to contribute significantly. Starc was the destroyer-in-chief, utilising the pink ball to devastating effect to claim figures of 6 for 75. England was eventually bowled out for 334, a total that felt competitive but ultimately insufficient on a good batting surface.
Australia’s response was ruthless and demoralising for the English attack. The home side piled on a massive 511 runs, establishing a match-winning lead of 177. It was a collective batting effort, with Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Alex Carey all registering half-centuries. The most damaging blow, however, came from the lower order. Mitchell Starc, backing up his bowling heroics, frustrated the English bowlers with a brilliant 77 off 141 balls. His partnership with the tail exhausted the English attack, rendering Brydon Carse’s four-wicket haul expensive and largely ineffective.
Trailing significantly, ENG needed a miraculous second innings to save the Test, but they were undone by the precision of Michael Neser. The Queenslander exploited the conditions perfectly, ripping through the English lineup to take 5 for 42. While Ben Stokes tried to replicate his past heroics with a gritty 50 off 152 balls and Will Jacks added a fighting 41, the pressure of the deficit was too great. England lost wickets at regular intervals and was eventually dismissed for 241, setting AUS a nominal target of just 65 runs for victory.
Australia’s pursuit of victory was nothing more than an afterthought as they quickly reached their goal within the first ten overs of play, with Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne both falling to Gus Atkinson. Steve Smith took advantage of the freedom given to him and finished on a brisk 23 runs, which sealed the win for AUS with some aggressive intentions. Mitchell Starc’s performance was fittingly recognized as Player of the Match as he had a match-winning effort, taking six first innings wickets and contributing significantly at the end of Australia’s batting efforts, exemplifying the gulf in the difference between the teams in this match.
England vs Australia Scoreboard
England– 334 & 241
Australia – (T:65) 511 & 69/2
Result – Australia won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match – Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc
ENG vs AUS Playing XIs
England | Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer. |
Australia | Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett. |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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