Australia have tightened their grip on the coveted Ashes urn, securing a commanding eight-wicket victory over England in the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. This emphatic win, achieved on Monday, December 7, 2025, propels the hosts to a formidable 2-0 lead in the five-match series, leaving the visiting English side with a mountain to climb.
Dominant Display Seals the Deal for Australia
The foundation for Australia's triumph was laid on the penultimate day, where their bowlers dismantled the English batting order. Resuming their second innings at a precarious 237 for 6, England could only add 31 more runs before being bundled out for 268. The Australian pace attack was relentless, with Mitchell Starc claiming four crucial wickets, while captain Pat Cummins and the impressive Nathan Lyon chipped in with three scalps each. This left Australia with a modest target of 115 runs to win the match and take a stranglehold on the series.
Smith and Labuschagne Guide Chase with Ease
The chase, while straightforward on paper, began with an early setback as opener Usman Khawaja departed cheaply. However, any nerves in the Australian camp were quickly settled by the experienced pair of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. The duo approached the target with calm assurance, stitching together an unbroken partnership that guided Australia home without further alarm. Smith, showcasing his class, remained unbeaten on a fluent 58, while Labuschagne provided solid support with 42 not out. The winning runs were struck in just 26.1 overs, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the victory.
England's Batting Frailties Exposed Again
For England, the defeat underscores recurring issues with their batting lineup. While there were starts from several players, including captain Ben Stokes, the inability to convert them into match-defining scores proved costly. Their first-innings total of 325 was below par on a good batting surface, and the second-innings collapse sealed their fate. The visitors now face a must-win scenario in the remaining three Tests if they are to retain the Ashes, a feat that requires a monumental turnaround in form and fortune.
The focus now shifts to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground for the third Test, the traditional Boxing Day fixture starting on December 26. The pressure is squarely on England, who must win to keep the series alive. Australia, led by the outstanding Pat Cummins, will be brimming with confidence as they aim to reclaim the Ashes on home soil. The comprehensive nature of this Brisbane win sends a powerful message to the cricketing world about Australia's current dominance in Test cricket.
