England captain Ben Stokes has issued a stark and critical assessment of his team's inability to perform under pressure, following a heavy defeat in Brisbane that leaves the Ashes series hanging by a thread.
A Familiar Collapse Seals England's Fate
The tourists slumped to a comprehensive eight-wicket loss inside four days at the Gabba, surrendering a 2-0 series lead to Australia. The match was effectively decided by another dramatic English batting collapse on the third evening, tumbling from a relatively secure 90 for one to a precarious 134 for six.
Resuming on the fourth day, Stokes and Will Jacks provided a brief flicker of resistance with a dogged partnership of 96. However, their stand was broken by a spectacular Steve Smith catch at first slip, symbolising the gulf in fielding standards between the sides. Australia then ruthlessly chased down a meagre target of 65 to secure victory.
Stokes Identifies the 'Obvious' Mental Hurdle
A visibly frustrated Stokes did not mince his words in the aftermath, identifying a recurring flaw that has plagued his side. "It is a common theme from the first game and before this series," Stokes told TNT Sports. "When the game is on the line, teams are able to handle that pressure better than us."
He elaborated on this critical shortcoming, stating his team excels when ahead or playing catch-up, but falters at the decisive juncture. "It is something that for me, as captain, is starting to become quite obvious," he admitted. Stokes emphasised that handling such high-pressure moments is a "mentality" and "mindset" issue, crucial for success at Test level.
Costly Errors and Potential Changes Loom
The captain also highlighted the costly difference in fielding, referencing several dropped catches in Australia's first innings that allowed the hosts to post a commanding total of 511. "Dropped catches can come back to bite you, and we saw that," Stokes said, contrasting it with Smith's match-turning grab.
With the third Test in Adelaide just ten days away, England are certain to consider changes. The bowling attack may be shuffled, with Mark Wood in contention if fit, while batter Ollie Pope appears vulnerable after another modest outing. Jacob Bethell, who scored 71 for the England Lions, is a candidate to bolster the top order.
Facing a monumental task—only Don Bradman's 1930s Australia have recovered from 2-0 down to win a home Ashes series—Stokes vowed to fight on. "Don't panic. Don't flap. Don't waver," he said, recalling lessons from the 2013/14 whitewash. "I know we can do this. I believe emphatically in the group." The challenge of turning belief into results under extreme pressure has never been clearer.
