Last Updated on 5 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Australia have taken a huge step towards retaining the Ashes, taking a 2-0 series lead after thrashing England by eight wickets at the Gabba.
The visitors began day four 134/6, still trailing by 43 and needing a miracle to avoid defeat in a match that went downhill quickly on day three. However, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks combined for a partnership rarely seen in the Bazball era, showing the type of patience, grit and discipline not previously displayed by England in this Ashes series.
The pair combined for a 96-run stand in 36.4 overs, keeping the Australians at bay and slowly adding to the lead. But, there was simply too much to do, and the Australians bowled quite well despite the wicketless first session.
Michael Neser embodied Australia’s day four discipline the most, honing in on the offstump with remarkable precision. His love affair with the Gabba got him the nod over Nathan Lyon in this Test, and he delivered in spades, catching the edges of both Jacks and Stokes to make the remainder of the Test a formality.
The Jacks wicket will be remembered for years to come due to the sheer brilliance of Steve Smith. Australia’s captain took a one-handed blinder down to his left, made even more remarkable by the fact Alex Carey was up to the stumps. It was a wicket Australia needed at the time given England’s resistance, and Smith stood tall.
Speaking of Smith, he was soon face-to-face with Jofra Archer in a heated exchange late in the game. Archer exchanged words with the Aussie captain close to the finish line, and Smith took it personally, smashing the fast bowler for two fours and a six in a major exclamation point on a dominant Australian victory.
Reactions to the 2nd Ashes Test at the Gabba: Australia smash England yet again
Mitchell Starc won man of the match for his magnificent all-round performance. He took eight wickets – including 6/75 in the first innings – and scored a vital 77 off 141 on the third day which put the match firmly in Australia’s hands.
“Nice to put a partnership together, better to bowl later in the day so to get through as long as we did with the bat was key to push the innings back. And we got the rewards,” Starc said in the post-match presentation.
Australian fans are thrilled. This victory now marks 17 Tests without a home Ashes defeat, dating back to 2010/11. Along with Starc and Neser, Alex Carey was outstanding with the gloves and there were numerous contributors with the bat, including Jake Weatherald who hit a maiden Test fifty.
For England, there is plenty of soul searching to do as they face the improbable task of needing to win the remaining three Tests to regain the urn.
The third Test kicks off at Adelaide on December 17. England must win that Test to keep their Ashes hopes alive. Given there has been no win in Australia in nearly 15 years, plus the difficulties they are facing in this series, it is a tall order indeed.
