The second Ashes Test at Brisbane's Gabba began with England under immediate pressure, but the tourists showed resilience to reach a total of 246 for 6 by the close of a compelling first day's play.
Early Strikes Put England on the Back Foot
Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first on a green-tinged Gabba pitch, a decision vindicated by his new-ball bowlers. Josh Hazlewood struck first, removing opener Alex Lees for just 2 runs. The early setback deepened when the dangerous Joe Root was caught behind off Cummins for 19, leaving England reeling at 54 for 3 after Zak Crawley also fell cheaply.
The situation demanded a calm and experienced response, which was provided by the ever-reliable Ben Stokes and the returning Jonny Bairstow. Together, they navigated a tricky period against a relentless Australian attack, gradually shifting the momentum with a mixture of stout defence and calculated aggression.
Stokes and Bairstow Lead the Fightback
The partnership between Stokes and Bairstow became the cornerstone of England's innings. They combined for a crucial 117-run stand, blunting the Australian pace battery and forcing Cummins to rotate his options. Stokes, playing with characteristic grit, moved past a half-century and looked set for a major score.
However, his dismissal for 65, caught by Steve Smith off the bowling of Cameron Green, provided Australia with a vital breakthrough just as England seemed to be gaining control. Jonny Bairstow remained unbeaten on 78 at stumps, a determined innings that has kept his side in the contest. He found a solid ally in wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who was 24 not out at the close.
A Tense Final Session and Series Implications
The final session was a tense affair, with both teams aware of the session's importance. Australia managed to claim the wicket of Chris Woakes late in the day, but Bairstow and Smith ensured no further damage was done. The day ended with the match intriguingly poised; England will feel they have recovered well from 54-3, while Australia will rue not capitalising fully on their early dominance.
This first day has set up the remainder of the Test perfectly. England's lower order, with Bairstow at the helm, will aim to push the total beyond 300 on day two. Australia's bowlers, led by Cummins and Hazlewood who took two wickets apiece, will be eager to wrap up the innings quickly. With the series level at 0-0 after a draw in Perth, the outcome of this match at the Gabba could prove pivotal in the quest for the Ashes urn.
