The Ashes: England 2-0 down to Australia after Gabba hammering
England’s Ashes hopes were completely over less than six days after Australia’s eight-wicket defeat in the second Test at the Gabba.
England finally showed some practice with the bat on the fourth day of the pink-ball match in Brisbane, but still succumbed to their second crushing defeat of the tour after a two-day loss in the first Test in Perth.
Captain Ben Stokes, perhaps determined to set an example for his team-mates after their dismal display on Saturday, scrutinized his 50 off 152 balls.
Stokes, who scored 41 off 92, and Will Jacks added 96 for the seventh wicket in 36.4 overs; this became England’s longest partnership in the series.
They were together until an hour into the middle session and Jacks was sensationally caught by Australia captain Steve Smith in the first over.
This was the prelude to England losing their last four wickets for 17 runs and being all out for 241.
Stokes stole Neser, Gus Atkinson was bowled back by Brendan Doggett and Brydon Carse was close to slip to take his first five-wicket haul to Neser in Test cricket.
Australia were given a meager target of 65. Although Atkinson worked Travis Head and produced a lifter to remove Marnus Labuschagne, victory was sealed in 10 overs.
Stokes’ side trail 2-0 and need to win all three remaining Tests to regain the Ashes. England have never come back from 2-0 down in any series against Australia.
On the most anticipated Ashes tour for a generation, and in what should be a golden opportunity to win the trophy for the first time since 2015, Stokes’ men are threatening to deliver the worst performance by an English team in modern-day Australia.
Questions about England’s stance will be raised again as tourists plan to follow up the defeat with a holiday on the Sunshine Coast.
Regardless of how England spend their time between now and the third Test on 17 December (23:30 GMT on 16 December), they need to improve immeasurably in some way for the contest in Adelaide.
As Ashes holders, Australia will need a draw to retain the jar at the earliest opportunity and before thousands of English fans travel for the Tests in Melbourne and Sydney over Christmas.
The home side will do so with captain Pat Cummins ready to return from injury and off-spinner Nathan Lyon ready for a recall.
Australia’s absence at the start of the series presented England with a great chance that they missed. Now they have to bear the consequences.
