Ashes 2025-26: Starc, Neser Script Australia's Dominating 8-wicket Win Over England In Pink-Ball Test, Hosts Take 2-0 Lead

Australia beat England in 2nd Test, Ashes 2025: Australia defeated England by 8 wickets in the second Test in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series at the Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday. Skipper Steve Smith smashed a six off Gus Atkinson to finish things off and looked pumped as Australia chased down the 65-run target to go 2-0 up in the five-match series.

Australia produced yet another all-round performance to extend their dominance in the pink-ball Tests as they wrapped things up well inside four days. Smith played a fiery match-winning cameo of 23 runs in just 9 deliveries, hitting two fours and as many sixes. Travis Head came up with a contribution of 22 runs in as many balls, whereas Jake Weatherald remained unbeaten on 17. Gus Atkinson took both wickets of Head and Marnus Labuschagne (3). 

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England resumed their second innings on the fourth day with skipper Ben Stokes and Will Jacks at the crease. The duo continued to frustrate the Aussie bowlers with their fighting partnership. They stitched a 96-run stand for the seventh wicket, making sure that Australia bat again in the match. Australia got the much-needed win on the back of a magical effort on the field from skipper Smith, who took an incredible catch to send back Jacks off Michael Neser.

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Jacks was dismissed for 41, whereas Stokes smashed his fifty. After Stokes' dismissal for 50, England were soon bowled out for 241 in 75.2 overs. Neser was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he took five wickets, whereas Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland found a couple of scalps each.

The match also witnessed yet another masterclass from Starc, who took a six-wicket haul in the first innings. In an interesting turn of events, Joe Root smashed his much-awaited maiden Test century on Australian soil. He played an unbeaten knock of 138 runs on the back of 15 fours and a six as England scored 334 in the first innings.

In reply, Australia produced an outstanding effort and took the upper hand with a huge lead as they scored 511 before getting bowled out in 117.3 overs. Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65) and Smith (61) and Alex Carey (63) hit crucial fifties, whereas Mitchell Starc was the top run-getter with a 77-run knock.