AUS vs ENG 2nd Test Highlights of The Ashes 2025-26
Australia Tighten Ashes Grip With Commanding 2–0 Lead
Australia delivered a clinical performance under lights at the Gabba, overpowering England by eight wickets in the second pink-ball Test to take a powerful 2–0 lead in the Ashes 2025 series. Chasing a modest target of 65, the hosts wrapped up the match inside 10 overs, with captain Steve Smith finishing the game in style—depositing Gus Atkinson over square leg for a towering six. So Let’s take a look at AUS vs ENG 2nd Test Highlights.
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While this wasn’t as dramatic as England’s two-day defeat in Perth, the visitors once again found themselves comprehensively outplayed across departments.
Starc Sets the Tone, Neser Finishes the Job
Australia’s victory was built on a relentless bowling performance. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable, Mitchell Starc stepped up as the senior pacer, generating sharp movement under lights and unsettling England’s top order.
However, the standout performer was Michael Neser, whose career-best 5/42 in the second innings broke England’s resistance. His ability to maintain disciplined lines forced mistakes from the English lower order, ensuring Australia faced only a small chase.
England’s Batting Struggles Continue Despite Brief Fightback
England once again suffered due to poor shot selection and lapses in temperament. Their aggressive approach—endorsed by batting coach Marcus Trescothick—continued to backfire in challenging conditions.
The lone stretch of resistance came from Ben Stokes and Will Jacks, who showed grit on a scorching day. The pair slowed down their scoring rate deliberately, collecting singles and refusing to take unnecessary risks. Their partnership briefly hinted at a turnaround, but a brilliant diving catch by Steve Smith ended Jacks’ stay and opened the floodgates.
England’s innings folded for a lead of just 50, far from enough to worry a confident Australian lineup.
Fielding, Discipline, and Execution: The Difference Between the Sides
Dropped catches haunted England throughout the match. In contrast, Australia were razor-sharp in the field—highlighted by Inglis’ quick-thinking run-out of Stokes in the first innings, a moment that shifted momentum firmly in Australia’s favor.
Australia’s tail contributions, combined with top-order composure, allowed them to post 511 runs in the first innings—an advantage England never recovered from.
Clinical Chase Seals the Win
Though Australia lost Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, the target was too small to create pressure. Steve Smith and Jake Weatherald calmly steered the chase, confirming Australia’s dominance and tightening their grip on the Ashes urn.
With three Tests left—Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney—England now face a steep climb to stay alive in the series.
FAQs
1. Who was the star performer of the match?
Mitchell Starc impressed early, but Michael Neser’s 5/42 and Steve Smith’s all-round impact made him equally crucial.
2. Why did England lose despite a small target to defend?
England’s batting collapses, poor shot selection, and dropped catches cost them the match.
3. What is the Ashes 2025 series score now?
Australia lead the five-match series 2–0.
4. Who hit the winning runs?
Australia skipper Steve Smith, with a massive six over square leg.
5. What’s next in the Ashes 2025?
The series moves to Adelaide for the third Test.
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