England’s Ashes hopes are all but over in fewer than six days of cricket after an eight-wicket defeat by Australia in the second Test at the Gabba.
England finally showed some application with the bat on the fourth day of the pink-ball match in Brisbane, yet still succumbed to their second crushing defeat of the tour following a two-day loss in the first Test in Perth.
Perhaps determined to set an example to his team-mates after their dismal display on Saturday, captain Ben Stokes dug in for a watchful 50 off 152 balls.
Stokes and Will Jacks, who made 41 from 92, added 96 for the seventh wicket in 36.4 overs – England’s longest partnership of the series.
They were together until an hour into the middle session, when Jacks was sensationally caught by Australia captain Steve Smith at first slip.
It was the beginning of England losing their final four wickets for 17 runs to be all out for 241.
Stokes nicked Neser, Gus Atkinson was bounced out by Brendan Doggett and Brydon Carse edged to slip to give Neser his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Australia were given a meagre target of 65. Though Atkinson had Travis Head chop on and produced a lifter to remove Marnus Labuschagne, victory was completed in 10 overs.
It leaves Stokes’ team 2-0 down and in need of winning all three of the remaining Tests to regain the Ashes. England have never come from 2-0 behind to win a series against Australia.
On the most eagerly anticipated Ashes tour for a generation and in what was supposed to be a golden opportunity to win the urn for the first time since 2015, Stokes’ men are threatening to return the worst performance by an England team in Australia in modern times.
Questions about England’s attitude will again arise as the tourists plan to follow this defeat with a holiday on the Sunshine Coast.
Regardless of how England spend their time between now and the third Test on 17 December (23:30 16 December GMT), they must somehow improve immeasurably for the contest in Adelaide.
As Ashes holders, Australia will only need a draw to retain the urn at the earliest opportunity and before thousands of England fans travel over Christmas for the Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.
The hosts will do so with the boost of captain Pat Cummins set to return from injury and off-spinner Nathan Lyon primed for a recall.
Australian absences at the beginning of the series presented England with a huge chance they have blown. Now, they must face the consequences.
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