England's hopes of retaining the Ashes are hanging by a thread after a disastrous third day in Brisbane left them staring at a heavy defeat and a potentially insurmountable 2-0 series deficit. Australia, powered by a brilliant lower-order knock from Mitchell Starc, are poised to wrap up victory on day four at The Gabba and seize control of the iconic series.
Starc's All-Round Brilliance Puts Australia in Command
The day belonged decisively to Mitchell Starc. The Australian fast bowler first showcased his prowess with the bat, crafting a vital innings of 77 runs. His significant partnership with Scott Boland did more than just swell Australia's first-innings lead; it strategically pushed the game forward, ensuring England would have to face the pink ball under the Gabba lights in the most challenging bowling conditions.
This tactical masterstroke from the home side laid the foundation for the carnage that followed. England, knowing they needed a substantial fightback, began their second innings with purpose. However, the promise of a solid start quickly evaporated as the sun set and the floodlights took effect.
England's Collapse Under Lights
From a relatively comfortable position of 90 for the loss of just one wicket, England's batting order imploded in spectacular fashion. The tourists lost five wickets for a mere 38 runs in a devastating passage of play, crumbling to 134 for 6 at stumps on Saturday, 6 December 2025.
This familiar collapse under the Brisbane lights has left them still 43 runs adrift of making Australia bat again, with only four wickets in hand. Captain Ben Stokes and Will Jacks will resume on day four, but their task is now one of desperate damage limitation rather than genuine victory pursuit.
Series on the Line as Questions Mount for Stokes's Side
The impending defeat prompts serious and recurring questions about the temperament and technique of Ben Stokes's England team in the face of relentless Australian pressure. Finding themselves 2-0 down in a five-Test series in Australia is historically a position from which no side has ever recovered to win the Ashes.
With the series potentially slipping away by the end of play on day four, the scrutiny on England's methods, selection, and mental fortitude will reach fever pitch. Australia, meanwhile, will be confident of applying the finishing touches swiftly at The Gabba, a fortress where they have not lost a Test to England since 1986.
All eyes now turn to the fourth day's play to see if England's tail can muster any resistance, or if Australia will efficiently complete the job and take a commanding lead in the 2025 Ashes series.
