England 7/2 in 2.5 Overs | AUS vs ENG Live Score, 2nd Ashes Test Day 1: Mitchell Starc on fire, dismisses Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope early at Gabba
Stand-in captain Steve Smith said selecting him was “a little bit risky,” hinting at a possible return in the next match. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon was also dropped, with local seamer Michael Neser preferred, while Josh Inglis came in as a specialist batter and Travis Head moved to opener. England made just one change, replacing injured Mark Wood with off-spinner Will Jacks.
England’s challenge in the day-night second Ashes Test at Brisbane’s Gabba is as much about history as it is about form. Trailing 1-0 after collapsing dramatically in Perth, Ben Stokes’ side cannot afford another defeat if they are to harbour any realistic hope of regaining the urn. Yet they return to a venue that has tormented them for nearly four decades — England have not won a Test at the Gabba since 1986, and have not won a match anywhere in Australia since the 2010-11 tour.
That task becomes tougher under lights. The pink-ball format heavily favours Australia, who have won 13 of 14 day-night Tests globally. The only blemish was at this very venue against the West Indies last year, offering England faint hope. Swing specialist Mitchell Starc is expected to thrive in the humid conditions, especially with captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood still unavailable.
England also lose their pace spearhead Mark Wood to a knee injury, replacing him with off-spinner Will Jacks, who boosts their batting depth. Stokes insists the squad has “moved on” from the Perth collapse and has prepared intensely with extra evening training sessions in Brisbane.
Australia’s only uncertainty lies at the top of their batting order, with Usman Khawaja ruled out due to back spasms. Travis Head, whose stunning hundred as a makeshift opener destroyed England in Perth, could be promoted again, despite calling fixed batting positions “slightly overrated.” The hosts also may consider Josh Inglis as an alternative opener.
For England, this is not just a Test match — it is a last chance to stop Australia tightening their grip on the Ashes.
