England’s tour of Australia has moved from worry to full-blown crisis, with the second Test in Brisbane ending in another heavy defeat. What was supposed to be a chance to recover after a poor opening match instead produced a performance full of the same old problems: fragile batting, unreliable bowling and costly fielding errors. With Australia now 2–0 ahead, the Ashes already feel out of reach for Ben Stokes’ team.
How Did England Lose Control of the Second Test?
England began the third day at the Gabba with a slim chance of getting back into the contest, but Australia’s batting quickly removed any hope. Mitchell Starc’s impressive 77 from No. 9 pushed the home side to a total of 511, leaving England exhausted in the heat and far behind on the scoreboard. Their reply fell apart almost immediately.
England’s second-innings slump to 134-6 once again revealed technical weaknesses and lapses in concentration. Ben Duckett was bowled by a ball that barely rose. Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope were both dismissed after attempting risky attacking shots; Joe Root edged behind. Harry Brook followed soon after. Jamie Smith is out playing yet another aggressive drive.
By the end of the day, Australia’s lead was overwhelming, and England narrowly avoided losing inside three days. Even Stokes, usually capable of dramatic comebacks, looked like a lone fighter rather than someone who could rescue the match.
Did England demonstrate any resilience on Day Four?
Stokes and Will Jacks did offer some resistance, batting through the morning against disciplined bowling. Jacks made 41, and Stokes produced a determined 50 from 152 balls. But the damage done the previous evening had already decided the match.
Michael Neser, playing at his home ground, took five wickets and played a major role in shutting England down. Alex Carey’s sharp wicketkeeping highlighted the gap between the sides. England dropped 5 catches during Australia’s first inning, handing away runs and losing any momentum they had.
Australia needed only 65 to win and reach the target comfortably. Steve Smith finished the match with a six, adding a pointed comment aimed at Jofra Archer: “You bowl fast when there’s nothing going on, champion.”
Why was Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the Ashes?
Australia’s 2-0 lead is even more striking given that they have been missing several key players. Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the entire series after a hamstring injury was worsened by an additional Achilles injury, ending his Ashes before it even began.
Andrew McDonald, the coach, confirmed the news and revealed the right-armer’s focus on recovering in time for the T20 World Cup next year.
Australia does have some brighter news. Pat Cummins is supposed to return for the third Test in Adelaide. He had increased his training workload and is set to resume the captaincy, with Steve Smith stepping back.
Even without Cummins and Hazlewood, Australia’s bowling has been dominant. Starc’s 18 wickets across the first two matches underline his importance, and he already has two Player of the Match awards to show for it.
Where Does England Go From Here?
England now faces the difficult truth of needing a win in Adelaide to keep the series alive. They have not won a Test in Australia since the 2010-11 tour, and their current form offers little optimism.
The squad will spend a few days in Noosa during a planned mid-series break. After intense heat and the chaotic start to the tour, a short reset may be their only chance to address the technical and tactical issues that have defined the two opening tests.
From Stokes’ perspective, the message is simple: lose in Adelaide, and the Ashes are gone. Win, and at least the series stays alive.
