Australia secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over England on Day 4 of the second Ashes Test at The Gabba on December 7, 2025, clinching a 2-0 series lead in the day-night encounter. Chasing a modest target of 65 runs set by England's second-innings total of 241 all out, the hosts reached 69 for 2 in just 10 overs in the post-dinner session, with Steve Smith sealing the win in style by smashing a match-winning six off Gus Atkinson. The result marked Australia's second consecutive triumph following their opening Test success, placing immense pressure on England, as no team has ever recovered from a 2-0 deficit in Ashes history. Mitchell Starc, whose all-round contributions proved pivotal throughout, was named Player of the Match for his batting resilience and incisive bowling.

England's second innings began promisingly as captain Ben Stokes and Will Jacks frustrated Australia with a gritty partnership, wiping out the overnight deficit and building a 96-run stand that carried the visitors to 193 for 6 at tea, holding a slender 16-run lead. Stokes registered a hard-fought 50 off 152 balls, his first half-century of the series, while Jacks contributed 41 off 92 in a display of resolute defence far removed from England's aggressive "Bazball" approach. However, the post-tea session saw a dramatic collapse, triggered by Steve Smith's stunning one-handed catch at slip to dismiss Jacks off Michael Neser. Neser went on to claim a maiden Test five-wicket haul (5-42), removing Stokes caught behind and accelerating England's downfall, with Scott Boland supporting admirably with figures of 6-66.

The Australian bowling attack, led by Neser and Boland, exploited the pink ball's movement under lights and variable bounce to dismantle England's lower order, bundling them out for 241 in 75.2 overs. Earlier contributions from Mitchell Starc (including the key scalp of Joe Root for 15) and Brendan Doggett ensured no respite for the tail. Australia's first innings total of 511—bolstered by a 177-run lead—had already set the foundation, with Starc's 77 from No. 9 proving invaluable. At the dinner break, openers Travis Head (19 not out) and Jake Weatherald (10 not out) had raced to 33 for no loss, leaving just 32 required.

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In the chase, Gus Atkinson provided brief resistance by dismissing Head (22) and Marnus Labuschagne (3), but Smith (23 not out) dominated the closing stages, exchanging fiery words with Jofra Archer before launching the decisive six. Tempers flared momentarily in the Archer-Smith exchange, reigniting their rivalry, but handshakes followed as Australia celebrated. The win highlighted their pace, depth, and composure, contrasting England's struggles with injuries and form dips.

This dominant performance reinforces Australia's stronghold on the urn, with the series now heading to Adelaide for the third test. England's "Bazball" philosophy faced scrutiny amid the slowest scoring rate in recent second innings, prompting questions about adaptability. As the tourists stare at a daunting recovery task, Australia's blend of experience and emerging talent—exemplified by Neser's return and Smith's flair—positions them firmly as favourites to retain the Ashes on home soil.

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