Overview
- Michael Neser claimed 5-42 to end England’s resistance on day four, before Steve Smith closed a 65-run chase with a six for an eight-wicket win in the day-night Test.
- Australia’s injury-hit attack thrived with an all-pace strategy at the Gabba, backed by standout fielding that included Alex Carey’s keeping, a Josh Inglis direct-hit run-out and Smith’s one-handed slip catch.
- Mitchell Starc’s series-defining contributions continued, headlined by 77 at No. 9 and a 75-run stand with Scott Boland that propelled Australia to 511 and the decisive first-innings advantage.
- England’s errors mounted with five dropped catches and wayward lengths, as UK greats savaged Bazball and coach Brendon McCullum admitted the team ‘over-prepared’ while Ben Stokes conceded failures in pressure moments.
- Selection debates intensify for the third Test, with Pat Cummins expected to return and chief selector George Bailey indicating Nathan Lyon will play, potentially squeezing out Neser despite his five-wicket haul.