The inevitable became reality under the Gabba lights as Australia clinically sealed an eight-wicket victory in the second Ashes Test, taking a formidable 2-0 series lead. Despite a spirited fight from Ben Stokes and Will Jacks on the fourth day, the hosts chased down a modest target of 65 with ease, confirming their dominance in every department.
Stokes and Jacks Provide Brief Resistance
When play resumed on day four, England were in dire straits at 134 for six, still trailing by 43 runs. The prospect of an innings defeat loomed large. However, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks batted through the entire morning session, adding a patient 59 runs in 24 overs to at least secure a slender lead. Their partnership, worth 94 runs in nearly 37 overs, restored a measure of pride after the previous evening's collapse.
Stokes ground out a determined half-century from 148 balls, his slowest since his famous Headingley knock in 2019. Yet, there was no miraculous counter-attack on this occasion. The resistance was broken when Jacks, on 41, edged the relentless Michael Neser to slip, where Steve Smith took a superb low catch.
Australian Superiority Confirmed in Clinical Finish
England's lower order then folded quickly. Stokes fell for 50, caught by the excellent Alex Carey, and the last four wickets tumbled for just 17 runs. Neser, in only his third Test, finished with a well-deserved five-wicket haul. The swift end starkly contrasted with the doggedness shown by Australia's tailenders earlier in the match.
Set just 65 to win, Australia's chase was briefly punctuated by moments of English fire. Jofra Archer hit 94mph and Gus Atkinson claimed two quick wickets, removing Travis Head (22) and Marnus Labuschagne (3). A flashpoint arose when Steve Smith top-edged a four off Archer, leading to umpire Saikat having words with the bowler. Smith responded in the most emphatic way, hooking the next ball for six to bring up 1,000 Test runs at the Gabba and gesturing towards Archer.
An Uphill Battle for England's Ashes Hopes
The victory was sealed at 7.29pm local time when Smith pulled Atkinson for six. It confirmed Australia's control since racing to 130 for one on the second day. They have now won 15 of their last 17 home Tests against England, outmanoeuvring them comprehensively. While the 'Bazball' approach is not dead, it is undoubtedly struggling for breath against this relentless Australian side.
England now face a monumental task to salvage the series from a position from which no team has ever recovered to win the Ashes. With three Tests remaining, they must find answers quickly, particularly in matching Australia's sharp fielding and lower-order resilience, or risk the nightmare of another 5-0 whitewash Down Under.
