Australia reinforced their dominance in the 2025 Ashes with a crushing eight-wicket victory over England in Brisbane, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Michael Neser’s sensational five-wicket haul and a clinical team effort left England searching for answers after a spirited but belated resistance.
England, having faced an uphill task following Australia’s imposing 511 in the first innings (Starc 77, Weatherald 72, Labuschagne 65), showed rare grit through Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacks (41) in a 96-run seventh-wicket stand that spanned nearly 37 overs. Yet, Neser’s pinpoint bowling shattered their hopes, dismissing both batters in quick succession, with outstanding fielding by Steven Smith and Alex Carey sealing the fate of the visitors.
The second innings collapse was swift. England managed only 241, as Neser claimed his maiden five-wicket innings haul (5-42), leaving Stokes to walk off forlorn. Australia’s chase required just 65 runs, with Travis Head and Steven Smith guiding the side to victory with authority. Smith’s finishing touches, an emphatic hook for six and a towering blow over deep square, brought the Gabba crowd to life, ending the contest in style.
Mitchell Starc continued his lethal Ashes form, finishing the match with 4 innings, 18 wickets and 89 runs, underscoring Australia’s unmatched bowling firepower even without quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Neser’s selection, initially contentious over Nathan Lyon, was fully justified, delivering a performance that swung the series further in Australia’s favor.
Australia’s team effort was complete: disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and counter-attacking batting ensured England’s collapse was comprehensive. Stokes and Jacks’ dogged resistance will be remembered as valiant but ultimately inconsequential in the face of Australia’s dominance.
With two wins in hand and the series under full control, Australia are poised to extend their stranglehold, while England must regroup ahead of the third Test in Adelaide, where Ashes survival hangs by a thread.
