Australia have moved into a commanding 2-0 lead in the Ashes series after an emphatic eight-wicket victory over England on day four of the second Test at Brisbane's Gabba. The win was set up by a magnificent maiden five-wicket haul from local bowler Michael Neser, whose crucial intervention ended a stubborn rearguard action from England captain Ben Stokes.
Neser's Heroics Halt Stokes' Resistance
For over three hours, Ben Stokes threatened to produce another legendary Ashes innings, reminiscent of his 2019 Headingley heroics. Resuming the day with England still 43 runs behind and only six wickets in hand, Stokes displayed immense grit, facing 152 balls for his 50 runs. He weathered a painful blow and a relentless Australian attack on a tricky pitch.
However, the resistance was finally broken at 5.50pm under the Gabba floodlights. With England's lead a slender 50 runs, Michael Neser, bowling to an innovative field, found the edge of Stokes' bat. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey, standing up to the stumps, completed a superb catch to cap off an excellent display behind the wickets.
Stokes departed with his head in his hands, flipping his bat away in frustration. His dismissal, followed quickly by that of Will Jacks for a determined 41, effectively ended England's hopes of setting a challenging target.
Australia Cruise to Target After Bowling Out England
England were eventually bowled out for 241 in their second innings, with Neser finishing with figures of five for 65 on his home ground. This left Australia needing just 65 runs for victory, a target they chased down in a mere 10 overs despite losing two wickets to Gus Atkinson.
The comprehensive nature of the win highlighted the gulf between the sides in key areas. Australia's catching was vastly superior, with Steve Smith taking a spectacular one-handed slip catch to dismiss Jacks. In contrast, England put down five chances during Australia's first innings of 511 all out.
The hosts also outmanoeuvred England in utilising the day-night conditions, and were beneficiaries of several poor English shots, notably Atkinson's ill-advised pull shot straight to Smith when a more substantial partnership was needed.
Ominous Lead for Australia as England Face Uphill Battle
The result gives Australia a formidable 2-0 advantage with three Tests remaining. Pat Cummins is expected to return for the third Test in Adelaide, and Nathan Lyon will be back in the side, posing even greater challenges for the tourists.
England now have a nine-day break to reflect on a performance that, despite Stokes' and Jacks' defiance, was undermined by earlier errors with bat, ball, and in the field. To retain the Ashes, they must win two of the remaining three matches, a daunting task against an Australian side that has shown superior skill and tactical nous on home soil.
The third Test begins in Adelaide on December 10, where England's campaign faces a now-or-never scenario to keep the series alive.
