Ashes 2025-26: Australia vs England Highlights & Review – 2nd Test

How did Day 4 of the 2nd Ashes Test go between Australia vs England? — Review, Turning Points & more

Australia went 2-0 up after securing an eight-wicket victory against England in the second Test of the 2025/26 Ashes being played at the Gabba, Brisbane. The hosts did not have a lot of trouble chasing the 65-run target set by the Ben Stokes-led side.

Beginning the day on 134/6, England still trailed by a few runs. Although they scored only 59 runs in the first session, Stokes and Will Jacks stood tall and unbeaten. Jacks, who was looking quite settled at the crease, was dismissed in the second session courtesy of a one-handed screamer from Steve Smith.

Michael Neser struck again in his very next over to get rid of Ben Stokes (50 off 152). The innings did not take a lot of time to wrap up from that point. Neser ended picking up his first-ever five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing with figures of 5/42 in 16.2 overs. Australia were set a target of 65 to double their lead.

The Aussie openers were off to a positive start. They had already scored 33 runs in five overs. Gus Atkinson dismissed Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne in consecutive overs to bring Steve Smith out in the middle.

What followed was an action-packed six balls between Jofra Archer and the seasoned Australian batter. Smith managed to take 15 off Archer in what was a heated few minutes of verbal action between the two. Smith launched Atkinson for a maximum to seal the deal.

Archer’s bouncer sparks clash as AUS crush ENG in Ashes

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Archer’s bouncer sparks clash as AUS crush ENG in Ashes

Top batting performance of the day — Ben Stokes

Although eventually in a losing cause, Stokes' effort in England's second innings epitomised the level of determination he possessed as a professional. It was an uncharacteristically slow innings in terms of rate. However, the English skipper battled it out hard for his half-century.

Top bowling performance of the day — Michael Neser

Neser proved all his doubters wrong by producing a stellar bowling performance to pick up his maiden five-for in Tests. He was easily the pick of the lot in Australia's second innings. He was responsible for dismissing both the set batters of the likes of Stokes and Jacks. 

Who was the Player of the Match?

Mitchell Starc understandably secured the Player of the Match award for his six-wicket haul in England's first innings. This performance was followed up with a priceless 77-run knock batting lower down the order. Starc even picked up a couple of wickets in England's second innings, causing Joe Root and Jamie Smith to walk back. 

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• Stokes' 148-ball fifty in the Bazball era since June 2022 marked the slowest by an English cricketer in Tests.
• Aged 35 years & 253 days, Neser became the oldest Australian seamer to pick up his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
• Smith topped the list of the player with most number of outfield catches in Tests against an opponent in a country.

When is the next match?

Australia and England will take on each other next at the Adelaide Oval from December 17 in the third Test.