The Ashes 2025: Will Jacks’ catch ‘as good as I’ve ever seen’, says Michael Vaughan

Will Jacks flies one-handed under the lights of Brisbane.

The batsman was the great Steve Smith. The ball was behind him.

Surrey all-rounder Jacks held on and England’s fans roared with belief that a challenge in the second Ashes Test might be possible.

“That’s the best catch I’ve ever seen,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan on the BBC Test Match Special.

“Oh my God! It doesn’t get any better than this, that’s an incredible move by Jacks.”

His athleticism to catch, dive into the leg hole and receive the ball with his right hand was impressive.

It was even more special considering the moment.

Two balls ago, Ben Duckett dropped Alex Carey.

Brydon Carse had dismissed Cameron Green early in the game but as the score was 292-4 Smith remained and there was a sense that an inevitable chance had been missed.

Jumping into the arms of a wide-eyed Joe Root, Jacks ultimately made England celebrate.

Australia could still take a 2-0 lead in Brisbane, they remain in a strong position, but the game was lively again.

“Will Jacks, take a bow,” former England goalkeeper Matt Prior said on TNT Sports.

“This is a remarkable catch.

“That’s exactly what we talked about, the fielders getting behind the bowlers.

“He had to cover a huge area and he threw a claw. It was a phenomenal catch.”

It was the on-field bright spot for England on day two, with Duckett then dropping Josh Inglis, Carse spilling Michael Neser and Root getting toe-tapping to Carey’s drive.

This all came after Jamie Smith struck out Travis Head in the first of the inning.