Brisbane, December 6, 2025 – Day 3 of the 2nd Ashes Test at the Gabba was a classic example of how momentum in Test cricket can swing dramatically. England’s second innings is teetering at 134/6, leaving them 43 runs behind Australia’s first innings total of 511.
England’s Battle in the Second Innings
Zak Crawley showed resilience with 44 off 59 balls, while Ollie Pope added a fighting 26, but the visitors struggled to build partnerships against a ruthless Australian bowling attack. Mitchell Starc led the charge with 2/48, while Michael Neser also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs (2/27). Ben Stokes (4*) and Will Jacks (4*) are currently holding the crease, but England’s top order failures have put them in a precarious position.
The story of England’s day is their inability to convert starts into substantial scores. Zak Crawley looked solid, but with wickets tumbling at regular intervals, the pressure has shifted firmly onto the middle and lower order. Starc’s relentless pace and Carse’s 4-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings underline why the hosts are such a formidable force at the Gabba.
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Australia’s Dominant First Innings
Australia posted a massive 511, thanks to a team effort. Jake Weatherald (72) and Marnus Labuschagne (65) set a strong platform, while Mitchell Starc’s late flourish of 77 added extra sheen to the total. Alex Carey (63) and Cameron Green (45) ensured there were no soft spots for the English bowlers to exploit. Brydon Carse was the pick of the England bowlers with 4/152, but overall the visitors were simply outplayed.
Australia’s depth is evident: six batsmen crossed the 45-run mark, and extras accounted for 22 runs, showing England’s difficulty in maintaining control even against the lower order.
Match Momentum and Key Takeaways
The Gabba’s pitch continues to offer pace and bounce, and Australia has used it masterfully. England, on the other hand, needs to regroup quickly. The lower order must now step up to prevent a massive first-innings deficit.
With only Day 3 in the books, this Ashes encounter is far from over. England will need a miracle, or at least some inspired batting, to stay in the game. Meanwhile, Australia smells blood and will look to wrap up the innings quickly before piling pressure on the visitors.
Looking Ahead
If England loses a few more wickets early on Day 4, Australia could enforce a follow-on or put the visitors under immense pressure chasing an even bigger deficit. Starc, Carse, and Neser have proven why the Gabba has been called the fortress of Australian cricket.
In short: the hosts are in control, the pitch is playing true, and England’s challenge is only just beginning.
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