Australia Crush England to Take Stranglehold on Ashes as Neser Shines in Brisbane

Australia powered to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over England in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, securing a commanding 2–0 series lead just six days into the contest. Michael Neser, picked ahead of offspinner Nathan Lyon in a contentious selection call, justified his place with a superb five-wicket haul that ripped through England’s resistance on day four.

England had resumed on 134 for 6, still 43 runs behind, and needing a miracle. What followed was a rare show of grit from Ben Stokes and Will Jacks, whose 96-run stand across nearly 37 overs provided the first prolonged rearguard England has mustered all series. But once Neser removed both set batters, England’s innings folded swiftly, leaving Australia just 65 runs to chase for victory.

Stokes and Jacks Resist, But Collapse Follows

Stokes, adopting an uncharacteristically defensive approach, battled 152 balls for 50, while Jacks added a patient 37 off 92 deliveries. Their partnership frustrated Australia through the morning and early afternoon sessions, during which Steven Smith even turned to part-time bowlers Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne in search of a breakthrough.

The turning point came via a moment of brilliance in the field. Smith plucked a superb one-handed low catch to send Jacks on his way, before wicketkeeper Alex Carey held a sharp chance off Stokes as Neser continued his superb spell. England’s last four wickets tumbled for just 17 runs, with Neser finishing with career-best figures of 5 for 42.

Australian Chase Sealed in Style

Australia wasted no time in the chase. Travis Head blasted 33 off the first five overs before falling to Gus Atkinson, who also dismissed Labuschagne. A heated exchange between Smith and Jofra Archer added late spice, but Smith had the final say—hooking Archer for six before launching another huge strike to seal the win. He finished unbeaten on 23 off just nine balls.

England Left Searching for Answers

England’s defeat owed much to earlier lapses. Five dropped catches in Australia’s first innings—and repeated batting collapses—left them chasing the game throughout. Their dour rearguard on day four only highlighted the lack of discipline shown earlier in the match.

Root’s unbeaten 138 and Zak Crawley’s 76 had kept England competitive in the first innings, but Mitchell Starc’s 6 for 75 swung the momentum back to Australia, who posted a dominant 511 thanks to contributions from Jake Weatherald, Labuschagne and Starc.

With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood both absent, Australia’s depth again proved decisive. Stand-in skipper Steven Smith marshalled his side expertly, while Neser and the supporting cast exploited England’s vulnerabilities under day-night conditions.

As the series heads to Adelaide, England are left in turmoil. Their Ashes hopes appear all but extinguished, and the team will face serious questions after another heavy defeat marked by poor fielding, inconsistent batting, and Australia’s superior tactical execution.