Australia Won by 8 Wicket Again England Read the full match report, including Mitchell Starc’s superb all-round performance and key inning details.
Australia Clinch Dominant Ashes Victory Over England, Win by 8 Wickets
Australia sealed a crushing eight-wicket victory over England in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, Brisbane, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The comprehensive win, completed on the fourth day, was a testament to Australia’s all-round dominance, exemplified by another stellar performance from Player of the Match, Mitchell Starc.
🏴 England’s First Innings: Root’s Century the Only Resistance (334 All Out)
The match began with England’s first innings, a tale of early struggle salvaged by a magnificent individual effort. After being sent in, England found themselves in early trouble, quickly reduced to a precarious position. However, Captain Joe Root stood firm amidst the collapse, crafting a superb century that showcased resilience and class.
Root’s effort, eventually reaching an unbeaten 138, was crucial in lifting the tourists to a respectable total of 334. He found late support from the lower order, most notably Jofra Archer, who contributed a spirited 38. For Australia, Mitchell Starc was the chief destroyer with the pink ball, finishing with impressive figures of 6/75, repeatedly challenging the English batters with his pace and swing.
🇦🇺 Australia Takes Control: Batting Pile-on Secures Huge Lead (511 All Out)
In response, the Australian batting lineup delivered a collective masterclass, systematically dismantling the English bowling attack to seize a massive first-innings lead. Openers Jake Weatherald (72) and Marnus Labuschagne (65) laid a solid foundation with composed half-centuries, capitalising on England’s often erratic lines and lengths.
The momentum was maintained by Steve Smith, who contributed 61, and Alex Carey, whose aggressive 63 provided a vital push. However, the true difference-maker was Mitchell Starc, who continued his phenomenal all-round match by smashing a vital 77 runs at number nine. His counter-attacking innings, the highest score by a number nine batter at the Gabba, frustrated the weary English bowlers, extending the partnership with Scott Boland (21 not out) and propelling Australia to a formidable total of 511. This gave the hosts a significant first-innings lead of 177 runs.
🏴 England’s Second Innings: A Fleeting Fightback (241 All Out)
Trailing by 177, England’s second innings needed a monumental effort, but they once again succumbed to the relentless Australian pace attack under lights. While openers Zak Crawley (44) and Ben Duckett made a brisk start, the wickets began to tumble once the lights took effect. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland made key breakthroughs, leaving England reeling at 134 for 6 by the close of day three, still trailing by 43 runs.
On the final morning, Captain Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacks (41) mounted a brief, spirited rearguard action, frustrating the hosts and ensuring Australia had to bat again. Their seventh-wicket stand was built on grit, but once the partnership was broken, the tail quickly folded. England were eventually bowled out for 241, setting Australia a minimal target of just 65 runs to win. Michael Neser was highly effective, chipping in with five wickets in the second innings.
Australia Won by 8 Wicket Again England
With only 65 runs required for victory, Australia’s chase was a formality, though not without losing two quick wickets. Travis Head (22) and Jake Weatherald (17*) began with intent, quickly wiping off the deficit.
Despite the dismissals of Head and Labuschagne (3) by Gus Atkinson, there was never any real danger. Steve Smith (23*) stepped in and, showing his characteristic flair, finished the match in style by smashing a six off Atkinson to seal the eight-wicket victory. The chase was completed in a swift 10 overs, securing a dominant win for Australia and extending their Ashes advantage to 2-0. Mitchell Starc, with a match haul of 8 wickets and 77 crucial runs, was rightly named Player of the Match.
