Australia outplayed England in every department to clinch another emphatic win, tightening their hold on the Ashes and exposing deep flaws in the visitors’ approach.
While not as humiliating as the two-day collapse in the Perth opener, England were again overwhelmed, undone by reckless batting, wayward bowling and sloppy fielding.
Steve Smith, who guided Australia to a smooth chase and was involved in a verbal clash with Jofra Archer, said the game swung decisively when Australia exploited the new pink ball under lights.
“Great day… the game turned when we were able to extend to get the new ball under lights, that was crucial for us,” Smith said. “The pink ball changes really quickly and you have to adapt.”
England crumble again
England’s batting once more proved fragile. Apart from Joe Root and Zak Crawley in the first innings, and Ben Stokes and Will Jacks in the second, the rest fell to rash strokes on a lively Gabba pitch.
Their bowlers also wasted the new pink ball, repeatedly pitching too short—starkly contrasting Australia’s disciplined attack despite missing Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
To make matters worse, England dropped five catches in the first innings, while Australia’s fielders remained flawless. A standout moment was Josh Inglis’s brilliant run-out of Stokes, which shifted momentum firmly Australia’s way.
Stokes admitted England failed to handle key moments.
“Obviously, very disappointing… a lot of it comes down to not being able to stand up to the pressure when the game is on the line,” he said.
Stokes and Jacks offer brief resistance
After conceding a commanding 511 in Australia’s first innings and collapsing to 134-6 under lights on day three, England looked destined for a swift defeat.
But on Sunday, Stokes and Jacks mounted a gritty rearguard, resisting the Australian attack in searing heat. Abandoning England’s usual ultra-aggressive style, they batted with patience—scoring just 28 runs in the first hour and taking singles instead of big shots.
Their partnership carried England past the 43-run deficit and briefly frustrated Australia. The Australians created only one chance—when Scott Boland induced an edge from Stokes that flew over the slips.
However, the stand finally broke shortly before drinks. Jacks edged Michael Neser and Smith took a spectacular full-length diving catch at slip. Neser then removed Stokes in the next over, finishing with career-best figures of 5-42.
England eventually set Australia a modest target of 65, with the tail offering little resistance.
Australia cruise to victory
Though Australia lost Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, Smith and Jake Weatherald comfortably guided the hosts to an easy win.
Smith’s catch earlier in the day brought him level with Rahul Dravid on 210 outfield catches—three behind current record-holder Root.
“They had a really good partnership today… with Stokes still there, you never know,” Smith said. “But once we got that breakthrough, the game moved quickly.”
Australia now head to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney as overwhelming favourites to retain the Ashes, leaving England with urgent questions—and dwindling answers.
