England finally showed fight. But it came too late.
Australia powered to a dominant win in the second Test as Michael Neser — picked ahead of Nathan Lyon — delivered a match-breaking five-for that ripped through England’s hopes and put the Ashes firmly in Australia’s hands.
What looked like a routine finish turned into a gritty morning session, but Australia’s control never slipped.
Australia 511 (Starc 77, Weatherald 72, Labuschagne 65, Carse 4-152) and 69 for 2 beat England 334 (Root 138*, Crawley 76, Starc 6-75) and 241 (Stokes 50, Neser 5-42) by eight wickets
England’s Rare Fightback — But Too Little, Too Late
With England starting at 134 for 6, the script looked predictable.
But Ben Stokes and Will Jacks had other plans.
Short sentences.
Long resistance.
Real grit.
Their 96-run stand across almost 37 overs was everything England had been missing all series — patience, method, discipline.
Stokes battled for 50 off 152 balls, while Jacks’ stubborn 92-ball stay frustrated the Aussies.
But it was survival — not pressure.
And eventually, the dam broke.
Neser’s Breakthrough Changes Everything
Enter Michael Neser.
Control.
Accuracy.
Relentless seam movement.
First Jacks — removed by a stunning one-handed catch from Steven Smith.
Then Stokes — nicked behind as Neser completed a brilliant five-for.
From there, the collapse was brutal.
England fell 4 for 17, their latest meltdown in a series full of them.
Smith Finishes the Job in Style
Australia needed only 65 runs.
They didn’t waste time.
Travis Head blasted early boundaries.
Smith exchanged heated words with Jofra Archer — then responded with a hooked six off a 150kph bouncer.
A final huge six sealed the match.
Smith 23* off 9.
Series 2-0.
Dominance, delivered.
Bazball? Not in Brisbane.
England’s aggressive identity vanished.
The only session they controlled was when they finally abandoned Bazball and played traditional Test cricket.
Too late.
Too reactive.
And far from enough.
Australia’s Depth Shines Again
No Pat Cummins.
No Josh Hazlewood.
Still ruthless.
Smith’s captaincy was sharp.
The fielding was elite.
And Australia once again proved why they’re unbeatable in day-night Tests.
England Need Answers — Fast
Dropped catches.
Poor shot selection.
Soft dismissals.
No consistency.
If they don’t find solutions before Adelaide, this Ashes could spiral beyond repair.
