England's hopes in the second Ashes Test suffered a significant early blow as captain Ben Stokes was sensationally run out following a disastrous mix-up with batting partner Joe Root.
Chaotic Run-Out Dismisses England Skipper
The pivotal moment occurred on the opening day of the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, 4 December 2025. Stokes, who had progressed to 19 runs, pushed a delivery from Australian bowler Brendan Doggett into the off-side and immediately called for a sharp single.
Joe Root, at the non-striker's end, firmly declined the run, leaving Stokes stranded mid-pitch. The England captain turned desperately to scramble back to his crease, but Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis collected the ball and produced a direct hit, sending the bails flying.
England's Batting Collapse Accelerates
Stokes had to depart the field, having spoken briefly with Root before heading back to the dressing room. His dismissal at 10:20 GMT sparked a collapse in the England innings. The setback was compounded shortly afterwards when Jamie Smith was clean bowled by Scott Boland, further deepening the tourists' troubles on a difficult first day.
Australia seized control of the match as England's batting lineup struggled to build substantial partnerships. The run-out of the captain, a key all-rounder and the team's emotional leader, represented a major psychological victory for the Australian side early in the crucial Test.
Critical Moment in the Ashes Series
This second Test is a vital encounter in the 2025 Ashes series. A miscommunication between two of England's most experienced players, Stokes and Root, proved incredibly costly. The incident highlights the fine margins and intense pressure that define Ashes cricket, where a single moment of confusion can shift the momentum of an entire match.
With Stokes back in the pavilion and Australia's bowlers dominant, the home side tightened their grip on the day-night fixture, leaving England with a formidable challenge to post a competitive first-innings total.
