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Captain Ben Stokes has demanded that the England batting lineup ‘take more responsibility’ after their eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the second Test.

Starting day four on 134-6 and still requiring 43 runs to force Australia to bat again, England had work to do to avoid an innings defeat after they had won the toss in Brisbane.

To Stokes’ and Will Jacks’ credit, they made Australia work for their victory on Sunday by compiling a 96-run stand for the seventh wicket.

However, after the pair were dismissed for 50 and 41 respectively, England were bowled out for 241 to leave Australia chasing 65 to win.

Despite two wickets for Gus Atkinson, victory was wrapped up in 10 overs, Steve Smith getting his team over the line with a quickfire 23 from nine balls.

Australia seal the second Test with a SIX ?

Who else? Steve Smith.

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Stokes calls for more from England batters

Speaking to Test Match Special, Stokes insisted that he is capable of leading a bounce-back during the remainder of the series, providing that England’s efforts with the bat improve.

He said: “We have to take some responsibility as a batting group, especially in that top seven.

“I think there is some of the stuff it is mentality thing. Again we seem to see those kind of things in that pressure situations when it is neither here nor there.

“We managed to wrestle momentum back toward us then Australia have got the momentum back.

“I see that as a common theme when the game is on the line. When the pressure is on where are we at? Are we clear to go out there and do what we need to do to get us back in the game.

“I will be addressing this stuff in the dressing room. I’m not going to sit here and splurt it all out.”

When is the third Ashes Test?

Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum must now decide how to prepare for the third Test, which does not commence until December 16 in Adelaide.

McCullum has claimed that England ‘over-trained’ for the second Test, something that will seemingly need to be addressed over the next week.

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Australia defeated England in the second Ashes Australia vs England Test at The Gabba to take a 2-0 lead in the 2025-26 series. Michael Neser was the star with a career-best five-wicket haul. He removed key batters Will Jacks and Ben Stokes in consecutive overs, helping Australia secure a 2-0 series lead.

Scott Boland and Pat Cummins also took wickets, ensuring England could not set a challenging target. England were restricted to 241 in their second innings, giving Australia a slender 64-run lead. Ben Stokes scored a patient fifty, and he, along with Will Jacks, added 96 runs for the seventh wicket.

Chasing just 65 runs, Jake Weatherald (17*) and Steve Smith (23*) completed the target in 10 overs, with Travis Head (22) and Marnus Labuschagne (3) dismissed by Gus Atkinson.

Earlier, England posted 334 in the first innings, and Australia responded with 511, with Mitchell Starc taking eight wickets and contributing 77 runs.

Ben Stokes and Will Jacks Set a Series Record with the Longest Partnership in the Second Ashes Australia vs England Test

In the second Ashes Australia vs England Test, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks achieved a series first by putting together the longest partnership of the contest as England struggled to recover. After England collapsed to 128/6 by the end of Day 3, Stokes and Jacks batted sensibly, occupying the crease for over 27 overs and helping England take a slender lead.

Jacks scored 41 off 92 balls, while Stokes reached his fifty from 148 balls. Their stand ended when Jacks edged a defensive shot to Steve Smith, and Stokes was removed soon after by Alex Carey. Ben Stokes made the slowest fifty in the Bazball era since June 2022, needing 148 balls to reach his half-century.

Michael Neserâ€s Five-Wicket Haul Helps Australia Crush England in the Second Ashes Australia vs England Test

In the second Ashes Australia vs England Test, Michael Neser became the main figure with a five-wicket haul. He helped bowl England out for 241 in their second innings, giving Australia a simple target of 65 runs to win.

England had started the second innings with a 16-run lead at 193/6. Captain Ben Stokes scored a patient 50, but Neser removed him and key players, including Ollie Pope and all-rounder Jacks. He finished with figures of 5-42 and bowled England out for 241, leaving Australia a small target of 65.

Twelve months ago, Michael Neser feared his Test career was over after a hamstring injury and being dropped from Cricket Australiaâ€s central contract list. He skipped the County Championship to focus on fitness and impressed in the Sheffield Shield but still missed selection for the first Ashes Test in Perth.

Reflecting on his performance, Neser said, “I mean, I love the Gabba, the fans here. This is my home, the Ashes is such an event for Australians, and to get a five-fa, itâ€s special. A moment I will never forget.â€

FAQs

Q. Who won the second Ashes Test between Australia and England?

A. Australia has won the second Ashes Test at The Gabba and took a 2-0 lead in the 2025-26 series.

Q. Who bowled out England in their second innings?

A.Michael Neser took a career-best five-wicket haul to bowl England out for 241.

Q. How much was Australiaâ€s target in the second Ashes Test?

A. Australia needed only 65 runs to win, which Jake Weatherald (17*) and Steve Smith (23*) completed the chase in 10 overs.

Q. When will the third Ashes Test between Australia and England take place?

A.The 3rd Test between England and Australia of the 2025 Ashes is scheduled from 17 to 21 December.

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Australia powered to an eight-wicket win in the day-night second Test against England on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series. England resumed day four on 134-6, trailing by 43 runs, before Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacks (41) helped set a target of 65. Australia completed the chase with Steve Smith hitting a six to finish the match ahead of the third Test in Adelaide on December 17.During Australiaâ€s chase, there was an exchange of words between Steve Smith and England fast bowler Jofra Archer. The incident took place when Smith came out to bat in the eighth over after Gus Atkinson dismissed Marnus Labuschagne.

Shimron Hetmyer interview: Opens up on hitting sixes, playing T20 leagues and ILT20 experience

Jofra Archer at the other end was bowling around 150 kph (93 mph) under the lights and it only fired up Smith.He came in to bowl the next over and started with a short-of-length delivery outside off. Smith went on the back foot and pulled through mid-wicket for four off the middle of the bat.Archer followed with a 149kph bouncer. Smith leaned back and attempted an upper cut with deep third in, but missed. Archer had a go at Smith and Smith responded. He missed and gestured that he should have got it to the third-man fence, then turned around to see Archer having a go. Smith said to Archer: “You Bowl fast when there’s nothing going on, Champion”.The third ball of the over brought more drama. Archer bowled at 149.4kph and Smith pulled off the back foot, getting a top-edge and possibly glove as it flew over keeper Jamie Smith for four. Archer had a few words for Smith, who did not respond this time.On the next ball, Archer bowled at 150.5kph. It was a short delivery down the leg. Smith got inside the line and pulled. The ball went wide of fine-leg and flew into the crowd for six. Archer gave a wry smile and turned back to his mark without more words. Smith made a gesture with his hand towards Archer. After the match, both shook hands. “What was said stays on the field, good banter, He’s (Archer) a good competitor, and he comes hard at you,” Smith said after the match.

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Ben Duckett – 2

Got a first-baller, which can happen to anyone, and unlucky to get the grubber from Scott Boland in the second innings. His first-innings drop of Alex Carey was a crucial moment in the game.

Zak Crawley – 5

Showed courage in the first innings to put a first-Test pair behind him and looked good in the second until a thoughtless shot. Now playing for his future in the team.

Ollie Pope – 2

Horrific shot in the first innings and not much better in the second. Feels most vulnerable to be replaced if England make changes to the top order.

Joe Root – 8

Finally got the elusive century in Australia and the scenes on the first evening were of genuine affection to an England legend. Still, Root will know the result has diminished the meaning of his achievement.

Harry Brook – 2

Unforgivable chasing of Mitchell Starc in the twilight ended a skittish first innings, made all the more wasteful when he was out to a good ball in the second. Not currently acting like a captain-in-waiting.

Ben Stokes – 6

Tactically had a poor game, but tried to set an example to his team-mates with the bat. Unfortunate to be run out in the first innings and furious he could not conjure another escape in the second.

Jamie Smith – 1

Faced 13 balls for four runs, dropped a catch and did not move for another. A real worry the gloveman is wilting under the pressure of an Ashes tour.

Will Jacks – 6

Did what was expected in his first Test for three years. Battled with the bat, was tidy with the ball once Stokes remembered him and took a stunning catch. Up the order in Adelaide?

Gus Atkinson – 3

Has not bowled badly, yet has only managed three wickets in the series. Is gifting away his wicket down the order when England need his runs – he has a century at Lord’s.

Brydon Carse – 4

Effort levels never drop, but four wickets flatter his bowling, which rarely included a delivery in the batter’s half. Another who could contribute more with the bat, given his ability.

Jofra Archer – 4

Gets a mark for his first-innings batting, then loses it for turning up on day three with a pillow tucked under his arm. Developing an unhappy knack of bowling well without taking wickets.

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England’s hopes in the second Test and the Ashes are in tatters after a dismal and depressing third day in Brisbane.

On a Saturday that will sit alongside England’s long history of misery at a ground where they have not won since 1986, Australia tortured the visitors with the bat then applied overwhelming pressure with the ball.

To the delight of a baying Gabba crowd and in the intense atmosphere of the Queensland night, England were left in disarray at 134-6 – still 43 behind. Defeat inside three days was only narrowly avoided.

Faced with a first-innings of deficit of 177, England started their second innings in the twilight against the pink ball with promise – the visitors were 45-0 from six overs at the dinner break.

As ever, England are incapable of batting well enough for long enough, and mistakes were inevitable.

Ben Duckett can feel unlucky to be bowled by a scuttler from Scott Boland, yet Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley both played feckless drives to be caught and bowled by Michael Neser.

Even Joe Root was culpable of edging Mitchell Starc, Harry Brook nicked Boland and Jamie Smith became the umpteenth England player to fall trying to drive Starc.

Ben Stokes has engineered unimaginable Ashes escapes in the past. This will not be one of them and his team is crumbling around him. The captain remains unbeaten, with him and Will Jacks both on four.

Australia were earlier led by 77 from Starc – the pace bowler adding runs to his stellar series with the ball – to keep England in the field for almost two sessions and rack up 511.

It was a slow roast in the Brisbane sunshine and the England collapse that followed was utterly predictable.

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England are on the brink of losing the second Ashes Test after Australia put themselves in contention to inflict an innings defeat at The Gabba.

With Australia resuming on 378-6 and holding a 44-run lead, it was imperative that England made quick inroads into the tail on Saturday.

Instead, the Baggy Greens added another 133 to reach 511 all out ahead of the night session where their bowlers would have the advantage.

At least 177 runs are needed to make Australia bat again, but England only managed a measly 134-6 by stumps as the home side’s bowling attack dominated.

Australia dominate with bat and ball

Earlier in the day, Mitchell Starc starred with the bat, hitting 13 fours during a knock of 77 after Alex Carey had departed for 63.

Each of Australia’s batting lineup reached double figures as England struggled with the ball, Brydon Carse posting the best figures of 4-152 with Ben Stokes ending up with 3-113.

England wickets keep falling…

Harry Brook is OUT for 15 âŒ

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Once Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett made their way to the crease, the onus was on ensuring that England made it to the fourth day, and the openers delivered 48 runs for the first wicket.

However, in what is becoming trademark fashion, England collapsed from 90-1 to 128-6, Crawley’s initial 44 being in vain as the remainder of the top five posted starts before being dismissed.

Ollie Pope made 26 with each of Duckett, Joe Root and Harry Brook all adding 15 apiece, knocks that will have no bearing on this match.

Starc, while carrying a fitness issue, Michael Neser and Scott Boland each took two wickets to leave England on 134-6 after just 35 overs.

Barring a miraculous comeback, the formalities will be completed on Sunday with England facing a battle to avoid a whitewash series defeat based on the respective performances of the two teams thus far.

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Joe Root of England (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) England captain Joe Root remains confident about his team’s chances in the day-night second Ashes Test, despite Australia gaining a 44-run advantage on day two in Brisbane.Root’s outstanding knock of 138 not out, his first century in Australia, helped England reach 334 in their first innings.Australia responded strongly, reaching 378-6 by the end of play. The hosts benefited from England’s imprecise bowling and missed catching opportunities on a pitch showing signs of wear.”It’s clear we weren’t at our best… but we took those wickets in a cluster, which shows the nature of this game,” Root told TNT Sports, referring to Brydon Carse removing Cameron Green and Steve Smith within four deliveries.”More work to do, but we’re well and truly in this game. It is different fielding to a pink ball, we practise really hard, just one of those days when things didn’t stick to hand. We’ll keep backing ourselves. We need to take four wickets,” he added.”It’s a simple game. Energy and positivity. We know our best cricket can turn a game very quickly. If we are anywhere near our best this game can turn in our favour.”Root celebrated his 40th Test century, marking a significant milestone in his career.”I tried not to approach anything different to the last couple of years,” he said. “Any time you contribute in an Ashes it means a huge amount. The most enjoyable thing was to get into a position to get us in the game.”

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Australia have moved into a position to win the second Ashes Test after a dominant performance on day at The Gabba.

Resuming on 325-9 after an epic last-wicket stand, England had momentum, even through only adding nine more runs at the start of the day.

However, Australia wasted no time in swinging the game back in their favour, racking up 378-6 off just 73 overs to move 44 runs ahead by stumps.

Like on day one, England had their moments, particularly in the evening session under the lights when Brydon Carse dismissed Cameron Green (45) and Steve Smith (61) in four balls.

Will Jacks pulled off one of England’s greatest-ever catches to play his part in Smith’s wicket, but England put down four catches throughout the day in Brisbane.

STEVE SMITH IS OUT! ?

What a take from Will Jacks! ?

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That contributed to each of Australia’s top eight batsmen all reaching double figures as they made light work of the England bowling attack.

Travis Head made 33 from 43, Jake Weatherald hit 72 from 78 and Marnus Labuschagne recorded 65 from 78 to keep the score ticking over during the first phase of the innings.

Alex Carey – who was dropped first ball – made 46 from 45 late in the day, with Josh Inglis making 23 from 25 and Michael Neser an unbeaten 15 from 30.

Carse’s 3-113 came off just 17 overs with Ben Stokes taking the same amount of overs for his 2-92. While Jofra Archer was most economical, he only posted 1-74 from 20 overs.

Based on their history of capitulations, England will return on Saturday with the first objective being to save the game.

With Australia in line to significantly extend their lead before England facing a session under the lights, it is far from certain that the game will be extended to a fourth day.

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Mitchell Starc (AP Photo) Mitchell Starc has officially stepped past a living legend. The Australian speedster is now the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test history, surpassing Pakistan icon Wasim Akram’s tally of 414 wickets during a sensational spell on day one of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Starc produced a fiery 6/71 against England, the performance that elevated him to 418 Test wickets, pushing him to the top of the all-time list for left-arm pacers — and triggering an emotional tribute from the man he overtook.Within minutes of the milestone, Akram took to social media and posted a heartfelt salute to Starc, calling him a worthy successor to the throne he has held for decades. His message read like a coronation.“Super Starc! Proud of you, mate,†Akram wrote on X. “Your incredible hard work sets you apart, and it was only a matter of time before you crossed my tally of wickets . I am pleased to give this to you! Go well, and keep soaring to new heights in your stellar career.â€Akram’s words are more than praise. They symbolise a baton being passed between two generations defined by reverse swing, toe-crushing yorkers and unrelenting aggression.Yet, in a moment of humility that stunned reporters, Starc insisted Akram remains untouchable.“Wasim’s still a far better bowler than I am,†Starc said. “He’s the pinnacle of left-armers… I’ll just try and keep churning a few out.â€While he plays down the achievement, Starc now sits alongside cricket’s immortals. Among Australian wicket-takers, only Shane Warne (708), Glenn McGrath (563) and Nathan Lyon (562) stand ahead of him. At 35, with form sizzling and the Ashes still unfolding, his chase isn’t over.

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This is an important series for Smith, playing in an Ashes for the first time. He was promoted to the England team at the beginning of the 2024 summer at the expense of Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow with this tour in mind.

Smith has made an exceptional start to his Test career. Before the Test at the Gabba he averaged almost 47 with the bat. His glovework has often been tidy.

But there have also been signs that the 25-year-old has some challenges to overcome.

Since making a stunning 184 not out and 88 in the second Test against India in July, then following up with 51 in the first innings of the third Test at Lord’s, Smith’s highest score in seven knocks is 33.

He looked increasingly lethargic as the India series wore on, with both his batting and keeping suffering as a result.

The Surrey man was in uncharted territory in a series where each of the five Tests went to the final day.

Because he is not the first-choice keeper for his county – Foakes takes the gloves at The Oval – he was experiencing a workload like never before.

This Ashes will be similar – another five-Test series. Yes, the first Test in Perth was over in only two days, but there are other challenges to throw to a keeper in Australia.

The steep bounce and true carry should be an advantage, yet takes some getting used to, and the fearsome heat can be sapping.

The edge off Head appeared to take Smith by surprise. It was a superb delivery from Archer, nipping away from round the wicket. In a spell where Archer averaged 89.3mph, he got one to leap at Head, and the ball was still on the rise when it got to Smith.

Moving to his left, Smith got both hands to the ball, only to parry in the direction of the slips, who could not grab the rebound.

“That was a beauty from Archer, it went quickly to Jamie Smith but you’ve got to take those chances,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan on Test Match Special.

Former wicketkeeper Matt Prior, part of the England team when they won the Ashes in Australia in 2010-11, said on TNT: “It’s the worst place in the world to be, having just dropped that catch.

“He didn’t do a lot wrong. He got done for a bit of pace, a bit of extra bounce here at the Gabba. It hit him quite high on the gloves.

“That’s a chance you’d want to be taking more times than not.”

According to data analysts Cricviz, Smith’s glovework stands up to other keepers in Test cricket.

This was only the fourth drop of his career, having held 54 previous chances. Smith has a 93% catching efficiency in Tests and for all wicketkeepers in Tests since the start of 2024, the efficiency is around 89%.

Interestingly, of the four drops in his Test career, three of them have been against left-handers.

Smith is also playing in a pink-ball match of any kind for the first time.

The debate over whether England should have sent more players to a floodlit match between England Lions and a Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra in the weekend before this Test was tempered by the vastly different conditions in Brisbane when compared to the capital.

While Smith has had five training sessions with the pink ball in the run-up to this Test – two of them under lights – he was out for a second-ball duck in England’s first innings and dropped the first chance that came his way.

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