Australia secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over England in the second Test of the historic Ashes series, taking a 2–0 lead in the five-match contest.
The match was played at the Gabba in Brisbane, where England batted first and posted 334 runs in their first innings.
Joe Root was outstanding, scoring an unbeaten 138 – his 40th Test century and his first Test hundred on Australian soil. Zak Crawley added 76, while Jofra Archer contributed a quick 38 down the order.
For Australia, Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler, taking six wickets, while Michael Neser, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett claimed one wicket apiece.
Australia responded strongly, piling up a massive 511 runs in their first innings.
Jake Weatherald top-scored with 72, Marnus Labuschagne made 65, Steven Smith added 61, Alex Carey struck 63, and Mitchell Starc hammered 77.
England’s Brydon Carse took four wickets, Ben Stokes grabbed three, and Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Will Jacks picked up a wicket each.
Facing a deficit of 177 runs, England began their second innings under pressure and were restricted to 241.
Australia’s bowlers dominated once again, removing the first six wickets during the final session of Day 3. Ben
Stokes and Will Jacks attempted to revive the innings with a gritty 96-run partnership off 221 deliveries, but it was not enough to challenge Australia. Stokes made 50 off 152 balls, while Jacks scored 41 off 92.
Michael Neser produced a superb bowling performance, taking five wickets, while Starc and Boland claimed two wickets apiece.
Needing only 65 runs to win, Australia reached the target comfortably in 10 overs, finishing on 69 for 2. Steve Smith scored a brisk 23 off 9 balls, while Gus Atkinson took both wickets for England.
With this victory, Australia take a 2–0 lead in the five-match Ashes series. The third Test begins on the 17th in Adelaide. Mitchell Starc, who claimed a match haul of eight wickets, was named Player of the Match.
