The Gabba Fortress Remains Unbreached
The lights at the Gabba have dimmed, but the Australian celebrations are just beginning. In a match that swung violently between English hope and Australian dominance, the hosts have delivered a knockout blow, defeating England by 8 wickets to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2025/26 Ashes series.
For a brief moment on Day 3, it looked like England’s “Bazball” intent might set up a classic fourth-innings chase. But the ruthless efficiency of Australia’s bowling attack—led by local hero Michael Neser—and the calm authority of stand-in captain Steve Smith ensured the urn remains firmly within Australia’s grasp.
If you missed the action from the 3rd day, catch up with our Ashes 2025 Day 3 Review.
Here is the full review of the action, the turning points, and that catch that will be replayed for years to come.
Day 4 Drama: The Collapse That Killed the Contest
England began Day 4 with a sliver of hope. Resuming on 221/6, the partnership between Ben Stokes (47*) and Will Jacks (40) was the visitors’ last line of defense. They needed to bat deep into the first session to set Australia a target of 150+.
For the first 30 minutes, they looked comfortable. Stokes was disciplined, and Jacks was looking to counter-attack. The deficit had been erased, and England was effectively 30/6. The Barmy Army, though outnumbered, started to find their voice.
Then, the Gabba factor kicked in.
The breakthrough didn’t come from a unplayable delivery, but a moment of fielding brilliance that broke England’s spirit. Once the partnership was broken, the tail folded meekly. England lost their final 4 wickets for just 20 runs, crumbling to 241 all out, setting Australia a mere 65 runs for victory. For a detailed breakdown of the scorecard, check out the official match stats on ESPNcricinfo.
The Moment of Magic: Steve Smith’s Gravity-Defying Catch
If you missed the morning session, you missed one of the greatest slip catches in Ashes history. The partnership between Stokes and Jacks was becoming a genuine headache. Michael Neser, charging in with the pink ball, found the outside edge of Will Jacks’ bat. The ball flew fast and low to the right of the second slip.
Steve Smith, reacting with the reflexes of a man half his age, threw himself horizontally. With his body fully airborne and parallel to the ground, he plucked the ball one-handed inches from the turf.
The stadium went silent for a split second before erupting. It wasn’t just a wicket; it was a statement. Smith, captaining in place of the injured Pat Cummins, had led from the front in the most spectacular way possible. That catch didn’t just remove a set batter; it sucked the belief right out of the English dressing room.
Michael Neser: The Local Hero Rises
While Starc did the damage in the first innings, the second innings belonged to Michael Neser.
Often the “nearly man” of Australian cricket, Neser seized his opportunity with both hands. His ability to move the ball both ways off the seam was a nightmare for the English tail. He finished with figures of 5/42, a maiden five-wicket haul that justified his selection over Nathan Lyon on a green Gabba deck.
His spell on Day 4 was a clinic in discipline. He didn’t chase wickets; he strangled the batters until they made mistakes.
Player of the Match: The Mitchell Starc Show
While Neser stole the headlines on Day 4, the match truly belonged to Mitchell Starc.
In an era where sports science often dictates resting fast bowlers, Starc continues to be an ironman. His impact on this match was all-encompassing:
- With the Ball: He dismantled England’s top order in the first innings, taking 6 wickets and ensuring England’s first-innings total of 334 wasn’t enough to pressure the hosts.
- With the Bat: When Australia was in a tricky position in their first innings, Starc walked in and blasted 77 runs, a knock that demoralized the English attack and pushed the lead beyond reach.
Starc’s performance was the difference between a close contest and a comfortable win. He earned the Man of the Match honors not just for his stats, but for the timing of his interventions.
The Chase: Smith Finishes it with a Bang
Chasing 65 runs under lights can be tricky (remember 1981?), but Australia was in no mood for drama. Although they lost a couple of cheap wickets, the result was never in doubt.
Fittingly, it was Steve Smith who had the final say. Facing Gus Atkinson with victory just one hit away, Smith shimmied down the track and launched the ball over deep mid-wicket for a massive SIX.
It was the perfect bookend to his match: a stunning catch to set up the win, and a maximum to seal it.
Match Highlights & Key Stats
- Result: Australia won by 8 wickets.
- Series Score: Australia leads 2-0.
- Player of the Match: Mitchell Starc (6 Wickets & 77 Runs).
- England’s Bright Spot: Joe Root finally broke his Australian curse, scoring a magnificent 138* in the first innings.
- The Difference: Australia’s lower-order runs. When Australia was 200/5, they ended up scoring 511. When England was in trouble, they collapsed.
Tactical Analysis: Why England is 0-2 Down
England’s “Bazball” philosophy—popularized under Brendon McCullum’s coaching—is facing its sternest test. At the Gabba, we saw the limitations of aggression without foundation.
- Leaking Runs: England’s bowlers were unable to clean up the tail. Allowing Mitchell Starc and the lower order to pile on runs took the game away from them.
- Missing Chances: In contrast to Smith’s screamer, England’s slip cordon was porous. You simply cannot give lives to Australian batters at home.
- The Pink Ball: England seemed unsure whether to attack or defend under the lights, leading to muddled shot selection against the moving ball.
What’s Next? The Road to Adelaide
The teams now travel to Adelaide for the 3rd Test, another Day/Night affair starting December 17.
- Australia: Will Pat Cummins return? If so, who drops out? Neser has made himself undroppable, creating a “good headache” for the selectors.
- England: They need a win, plain and simple. History suggests 0-2 is fatal, but if Stokes can rally his troops, Adelaide’s drop-in pitch might offer them a better chance to bat long.
For now, the Gabba remains an Australian fortress, and the urn is inching closer to staying Down Under.
Also Read How to Watch Live Cricket Matches Outside India for Free
FAQs
Q: Who won the Man of the Match?
A: Mitchell Starc was awarded Man of the Match for his 6 wickets and 77 runs.
Q: What was the result of the 2nd Test?
A: Australia won by 8 wickets to take a 2-0 series lead.
Q: Did Steve Smith captain the match?
A: Yes, Steve Smith captained Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins.
Q: Who scored the most runs for England?
A: Joe Root scored a brilliant 138* in the first innings.
