Overview
- Australia won the Gabba Test by eight wickets after late call-up Michael Neser took 5-42, rewarding a last-minute selection shift prompted by injuries.
- Mitchell Starc earned Player of the Match with a six-wicket haul and a 77 that underpinned Australia’s 511 before a routine chase of 65.
- Ben Stokes acknowledged England have faltered in tight moments, highlighting a growing focus on mindset and execution under pressure.
- Former captains Ian Botham, Geoffrey Boycott and Michael Vaughan issued scathing assessments, with Botham saying paying supporters should seek refunds and Vaughan calling for changes.
- England’s Lions were routed by Australia A by an innings and 127 runs, intensifying depth concerns before a must-win third Test in Adelaide on December 17.