Ashes 2024: England trail 2-0 after Gabba defeat in Brisbane

The Ashes 2024: England trail Australia 2-0 after a heavy defeat at the Gabba

The second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane ended in an eight-wicket win for Australia, leaving England facing an uphill battle to recover the urn in the five-match series. Australia chased a modest target on day four, sealing the victory with plenty of time to spare.

What happened on day four

England finally showed resilience with the bat as captain Ben Stokes reached a patient 50 off 152 balls and Will Jacks contributed 41. The pair added 96 for the seventh wicket, England’s best stand of the series, but the innings collapsed soon after Jacks was dismissed by Steve Smith at first slip. England were bowled out for 241, leaving Australia with a straightforward chase of 65 to win.

Australia needed only 65 and, aided by a swift start, completed the task in 10 overs. The home side finished 69-2 with Steven Smith unbeaten on 23, and Australia comfortably moved 2-0 ahead in the five-match series. England now must win all three remaining Tests to keep any Ashes dream alive.

Why this matters for England

Heading into the fourth day, England had already endured a brutal tour, including a two-day defeat in Perth. The Gabba result left England 2-0 down, a position from which teams rarely recover to lift the urn. England have long struggled in Australia, and this margin of defeat extends a troubling sequence on away soil.

Key statistics underline the challenge: England have not won in Australia for 17 matches, with 15 defeats in that span. In Brisbane, England have struggled in day-night Tests, where Australia typically hold a strong record. The latest result heightens calls for introspection and clear plans ahead of the next match in Adelaide.

England’s selectors face a difficult choice as they consider options for Adelaide, including potential changes to bolster pace or add a wicketkeeper. The Lions’ tour to Australia remains in focus for fringe players hoping to press claims for the main squad.

England’s fight and where it went wrong

Critics note England’s intensity only resurfaced late in the game. Stokes’s stubborn innings offered hope, and Jacks briefly steadied the ship, but the tail failed to provide the support needed to set Australia a more challenging total. England’s bowlers struggled to capitalise on favourable conditions and could not capitalise on the new ball under floodlights, allowing Australia to chase with ease.

Expert perspective

Expert view: Analysts say England must rapidly reset their mindset and tightening their technique, or the series will slip away. Stokes’s leadership will be put to the test in the remaining fixtures as England seek a dramatic turnaround.

Short summary

The Gabba result leaves England with a daunting 2-0 deficit and a long road to recover in the Ashes series. While Stokes showed intent with a defiant 50 and Jacks backed him up, England’s middle and lower order fell short again. Australia, bolstered by captain Pat Cummins’s return and Lyon’s recall, head to Adelaide with momentum, aiming to seal the urn or at least secure a safe lead. The coming Tests in Melbourne and Sydney will define whether England can fashion a miracle comeback.

Key insight: In a series defined by small margins, England must rebound quickly with improved discipline and smarter batting to avoid a clean sweep. BBC Sport