Ashes 2025-26 intensifies with England electing to bat first in the second Test, a day-night Pink-Ball clash at Brisbane’s Gabba on December 4, 2025. After Australia‘s commanding Perth victory, Steve Smith‘s side eyes a series-straddling 2-0 lead, while Ben Stokes‘ men chase redemption under lights.
Joe Root’s resilience powers England through early wickets
England’s session started disastrously, slumping to 5 for 2 as Mitchell Starc dismantled the top order—Ben Duckett caught off the first ball, Ollie Pope bowled shortly after. Zak Crawley and Joe Root orchestrated a gritty revival, forging a 117-run third-wicket stand that lifted England to 98 for 2 at lunch and 150 by the 33rd over. Crawley’s fluent 76 off 93 balls, including 11 boundaries, ended via Michael Neser, but Root’s maiden century down under anchored the innings past 200.
Harry Brook injected momentum with 31 off 33, his aggressive strokeplay yielding a 50-run alliance with Root before Starc struck again, caught by Steve Smith. Post-tea, the tempo slowed, with Australia tightening via Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett. A failed DRS review on Root highlighted Australia’s pressure, yet England crossed 200 in the 49th over.
Josh Inglis’ direct hit ignites Australian fightback late in the day
Drama peaked in the 55th over when Stokes, on 19 off 49, pushed Doggett’s good-length delivery to cover and sought a risky single. Root hesitated, stranding his captain; Josh Inglis collected swiftly from side-on and unleashed a pinpoint throw, uprooting the lone stump. Stokes’ agonized retreat followed a visible exchange with Root, tilting momentum as England slipped to 210/5.
Scott Boland swiftly removed Jamie Smith for a duck, exposing the tail with Will Jacks joining Root. Australia’s bowlers kept economy tight under lights, conceding just 20 for 2 in the last 10 overs. Inglis’ athleticism, a standout in a revamped XI sans Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, sparked roars from the Gabba faithful.
Here’s the video:
JOSH INGLIS WOWEE WHAT A RUNOUT!#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/o7vTz12QRb
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 4, 2025
