England slip to 2-0 as Ashes bid collapses after heavy defeat at Gabba

Brisbane, 7 December 2025:

England’s Ashes campaign is effectively finished in less than six days of cricket after an eight-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test at the Gabba.

England showed more resistance with the bat on the fourth day of the pink-ball Test in Brisbane, but it was not enough to avoid a second heavy defeat following their two-day collapse in the series opener in Perth.

Ben Stokes, seemingly intent on setting an example after England’s dismal batting on Saturday, ground out a determined 50 off 152 deliveries. He and Will Jacks, who made 41 from 92 balls, put on 96 for the seventh wicket — England’s longest partnership of the series.

Their stand ended an hour into the middle session when Jacks fell to a sharp catch at first slip by Australia captain Steve Smith. England then lost their final four wickets for 17 runs and were bowled out for 241.

Stokes edged Michael Neser, Gus Atkinson fell to a short ball from Brendan Doggett and Brydon Carse nicked off to give Neser his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Australia were set just 65 to win. Atkinson removed Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, but the hosts needed only 10 overs to seal victory.

The defeat leaves Stokes’ side trailing 2–0 and needing to win all three remaining Tests to regain the Ashes, a comeback England have never achieved against Australia.

On what was billed as England’s best chance in a generation to win the urn for the first time since 2015, the tourists now risk delivering one of their worst Ashes performances in modern history. Questions over attitude and preparation are likely to intensify, especially as the squad plans a short break on the Sunshine Coast before the third Test on Dec. 17 in Adelaide.

Australia, already in command of the series, are expected to regain captain Pat Cummins and off-spinner Nathan Lyon for the next match. Early injuries had handed England an opening, but they failed to take advantage and now face the consequences.

Second Ashes Test, the Gabba, Brisbane (day-night, day four of five)

England 334: Root 138; Starc 6-75 & 241 Stokes 50; Neser 5-42

Australia 511: Starc 77; Carse 4-152 & 69-2 (Smith 23*, Atkinson 2-37)

Australia win by eight wickets, go 2-0 up in five-match series