England's Ashes dreams are hanging by a thread under the Gabba lights as Australia continues to dominate. The hosts seized control during the day's play, and then, under the floodlights, they further dismantled Ben Stokes's team, leaving them at 134-6 at stumps, still behind by 43 runs. After a crushing defeat in Perth within two days, England is now facing a significant challenge in this match and the series.
Seamer Scott Boland, who took 2-33 as England's batting faltered, commented, "We just wanted to put as many balls in the right area as we could. I think we bowled really well." He added, "They always play their shots, and I feel like this kind of wicket, with some up and down, if we put as many balls in the right areas they're going to give you some chances."
Australia began the day at 378-6, holding a lead of 44 runs. England hoped to quickly take the remaining wickets and limit the deficit. However, led by the unexpected batting prowess of Mitchell Starc, Australia amassed 511 runs, keeping England on the field throughout the scorching day session. At the close of play, Stokes and spinner Will Jacks were holding on, both unbeaten with four runs each.
England's batting coach, Marcus Trescothick, insisted they would not alter their aggressive batting strategy. Like in Perth and in the first innings in Brisbane, several England batsmen were dismissed attempting to drive at rising balls, resulting in catches behind or caught and bowled dismissals. "We're trying to play the way that we want to play," he said. "And we want to try and utilize that in the best possible fashion. It doesn't mean we always get it right of course."
England's Collapse
Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett gave the visitors a brisk start in their second innings, reaching 45-0 in just six overs. But as the lights took effect, batting became increasingly difficult due to the extra movement off the pitch. Duckett was the first to fall, somewhat unlucky when a ball from Boland stayed low, hitting the bottom of his bat before smashing into the stumps. Ollie Pope scored a scratchy 26, surviving several close calls before attempting an upward drive and offering a sharp return catch to Michael Neser.
England was at 90-2, still trailing by 87 runs, and the situation worsened. Seven runs later, Neser secured his second return catch in an almost identical manner, with Crawley playing the same shot as Pope with the same result. Joe Root, who scored a century in the first innings, stabilized the innings with Harry Brook. However, with the score at 121, Root played at a full and wide ball from Starc, resulting in a significant outside edge caught by keeper Alex Carey.
England lost their fifth wicket in unusual circumstances two runs later. After Brook was initially given out caught behind off Boland, which was overturned on review, he edged the very next ball, which was initially ruled not out. However, umpire Sharfuddoula had to reverse his decision after an Australian review. Keeper Jamie Smith avoided the dreaded pair but was soon out for four, caught behind off Starc.
Starc's Dominance
Starc was the key player with both bat and ball as Australia dominated the day from the outset. He frustrated the visitors when they were hoping for quick wickets, and his 77 was a record score by a number nine batsman at the Gabba. Australia was eventually dismissed about 40 minutes before the break, but their lead was substantial. Starc, who has taken 18 wickets in the first two Tests, enjoyed a 75-run partnership with Boland, who scored his highest Test score of 21 not out. The ninth-wicket pair kept England in the field under the intense sun, which had a noticeable impact on the struggling visitors as the day progressed.
But here's where it gets controversial... England's aggressive batting approach has been a talking point. Is it the right strategy, or are they playing into Australia's hands? And this is the part most people miss... The conditions under the Gabba lights significantly changed the game's momentum. What adjustments could England have made? What do you think about England's approach? Share your thoughts in the comments!
