England rely on pace to trouble Australia at the Gabba

England's fast-bowling unit heads to the Gabba confident it can trouble Australia in the second Ashes Test. Although Mark Wood is likely sidelined by knee soreness, the visitors insist their pace attack can still deliver decisive moments. The challenge is to balance aggression with recovery in a day-night format.

In Perth, England's fast-bowling attack showed some of the quickest pace the visitors have produced on a first day, yet it did not translate into victory. Australia chased 205 in 28.2 overs to seal the win.

With Wood unavailable, England are weighing whether to field another all-pace line-up or to include a spinner. Josh Tongue could return, while Shoaib Bashir has been a regular selection in recent matches. Will Jacks provides versatility as an all-round option.

Head coach Brendon McCullum has stressed the need for batters to give bowlers longer rests between spells. Carse, who has 41 wickets in 10 Tests, says there is no excuse for fatigue and that planned rest days will be considered as the series unfolds.

Training at the Gabba under lights showed the squad sharpening their skills ahead of a floodlit match—an arena Australia knows well, having played many day-night Tests. England have limited experience in such games, with seven day-night Tests and five losses so far.

Bringing the series to Brisbane, England’s goal remains to level the spell, despite a 1-0 deficit and a challenging record at the venue, where they have not won since 1986.

Carse, 30, acknowledged the anticipated hostile atmosphere but said the team will embrace the challenge rather than fear it. He also highlighted the importance of the traveling fans who support England across Australia.

On Australia, Usman Khawaja has faced back spasms but was seen doing fitness work and batting in the nets. Marnus Labuschagne praised Khawaja as a high-quality, seasoned performer who can lead the top order.

Expert comment: Carse notes there is no extra pressure after trailing 1-0, and recovery days will play a crucial role as the series progresses. He also emphasizes that England’s pace unit can still influence matches with smart rotation.

Summary: England believe their pace attack can again trouble Australia at the Gabba, though success will depend on workload management and adapting to day-night conditions. Selection will be key, with Tongue and Bashir as possible options, while the support of traveling fans may buoy the team. Brisbane’s result could reshape the series as players adjust to the venue and format.

Key insight: Pace and workload management will determine England's chances at the Gabba, where a hostile atmosphere and a long-standing record against Australia demand disciplined, sustained pressure. BBC Sport