The Ashes 2nd Test Australia vs England highlight was a brutal reminder of how hard the Gabba can be. Joe Root’s classy 138 and Zak Crawley’s fluent 76 gave England a competitive 334, but Mitchell Starc’s searing 6 for 75 flipped the script. Australia replied with 511, every batter reaching double figures and Starc smashing 77 to deepen the pressure. Michael Neser’s sharp five wicket haul then buried England’s second innings despite Ben Stokes and Will Jacks fighting hard. Steven Smith finished the chase of 65 in a hurry to seal a dominant two nil series lead for the hosts.

Contents
Joe Root’s Hundred Was Good
Joe Root’s Hundred Was Good captured the one bright stretch of England’s batting at the Gabba. Joe Root weathered Mitchell Starc’s early burst, then unfurled drives, cuts and clips to reach a superb 138 not out, finally ticking off a long awaited Ashes century in Australia. Zak Crawley backed him with a confident 76 at the top, while Jofra Archer and the tail scratched handy lower order runs to reach 334. In the second innings Root could not repeat the rescue act, but his first dig at least showed how control and patience could still score in this harsh series.
That’s the end of our first innings… with Joe Root unbeaten on 1️⃣3️⃣8️⃣*
Well batted, sir 🫡 pic.twitter.com/2ZwCRfXwzA
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 5, 2025
Aussie’s Turn, Steve Smith Is Hot!
Steve Smith can’t be stopped Hot! began as Australia piled on 511 without anyone even reaching a hundred. Steven Smith steered the tempo with a composed 65, while Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne and others chipped in to keep the board rolling. Mitchell Starc crashed a brutal 77 down the order, hammering tired bowling and proving he was as dangerous with the bat as with the new ball through this innings.
“Bowl fast when there’s nothing going on champion.”
Steve Smith v Jofra Archer was seriously spicy 🍿 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/jfa4PiZyb2
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2025
Ben and Will Tried to Push More Total
Ben And Will Tried To Push More Total was about Ben Stokes and Will Jacks slowing the chaos. They batted against instinct, soaking up 37 overs in a 96 run stand, nudging England beyond the follow on and briefly making Australia work harder for a result that still felt inevitable.
Ben Stokes and Will Jacks reach the tea break unscathed.
Good work, lads 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Chxhf0jEk3
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 7, 2025
Oh No! The Worst Thing Happen
Worst Thing Happen came when a sharp lifter from Scott Boland reared and Ben Stokes copped a blow in the lower body, leaving him briefly doubled over, grimacing and needing treatment before resetting to continue his vigil.
Ben Stokes copped one right where you don’t want it 😶 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/BWJs31NAIB
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2025
Another Best Bowling Performance
Another Best Bowling Performance summed up Mitchell Starc at the Gabba. Mitchell Starc ripped out England’s top order in both innings, taking 6 for 75 first time around and key wickets under lights. With 420 Test wickets, Mitchell Starc passed Wasim Akram as the prolific left arm quick in history.
Mitch Starc brought up his highest score in Test cricket in nine years, fresh off his 6 wickets in the first innings. What a player, seriously 🔥#Ashes live blog: https://t.co/2htO3lNuXL pic.twitter.com/H0CVQWkOuD
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2025
Huge Win, Looking For More
Huge Win, Looking For More captures the mood in an Australian camp now two nil up. Australia have bullied England with the ball and batted with far greater discipline, led by Mitchell Starc, Steven Smith and a deep supporting cast. With momentum, home conditions and real confidence, they head to Adelaide calmly eyeing an early Ashes series seal in style.
A seriously spicy end to the second Test! #Ashes
Break it down here: https://t.co/2htO3lNuXL pic.twitter.com/Tq62fMqr3h
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2025
Australia vs England Match Result:Scorecard
| Australia | England |
| 334 & 241 | 511 & 69/2 |
England Got Into the Final Point

England Got Into the Final Point looks at how The Ashes 2nd Test Australia vs England highlight exposed deep problems and faint solutions. England are two nil down, their aggressive Bazball style fraying under relentless discipline from Mitchell Starc and company. Joe Root finally has an Ashes hundred in Australia, Ben Stokes still fights, and Jofra Archer brings menace, yet collapses keep returning. To respond, England need clearer plans against the moving ball, braver selection calls, and senior batters like Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope to shoulder responsibility if they want this series to stay alive with patient, smarter batting.













