Neser’s Fiery Spell Seals Commanding Victory for Australia in Second Ashes Test

Australia surged to a dominant eight-wicket win in the second Ashes Test on Sunday, establishing a 2-0 series lead as England fell victim to a relentless pace assault from unexpected star Michael Neser on the fourth day.

In a compelling performance backed by the catching prowess of captain Steve Smith, 35-year-old Neser claimed impressive figures of five for 42 in his first Test match in three years. This left the Australians with a modest target of 65 runs to clinch the day-night match at the Gabba.

Despite Gus Atkinson taking two wickets, opener Jake Weatherald and Smith efficiently chased down the target post-dinner break, handing England their 15th loss in the last 17 Tests held in Australia.

An intense exchange between England seamer Jofra Archer and Steve Smith unfolded in the middle, yet Smith responded by dispatching two fours and a six off the pace bowler.

Smith secured the victory in spectacular fashion by hitting a six off Atkinson over deep square, eliciting a huge cheer from the local fans among the 27,888-strong crowd.

With the series set to continue in Adelaide and three matches remaining, England’s Ben Stokes remains optimistic about retaining the urn, especially after a determined 152-ball 50. However, overturning the series from this point seems a daunting challenge.

Remarkably, only once in nearly 150 years of Test cricket has a team come back from a 2-0 deficit to win a series, a feat achieved by Don Bradman’s Australia during the 1936/37 home Ashes.

In Brisbane, there was little indication that Stokes’s England could replicate such a historic comeback.

Australia, on the other hand, seems poised to strengthen further. The Brisbane attack, including Scott Boland, Neser, and Brendan Doggett, was considered a third-string lineup, supporting the stellar Mitchell Starc.

Veteran paceman Pat Cummins and elite spinner Nathan Lyon are expected to return for the Adelaide Oval Test, having missed out due to injury and selection decisions, respectively.

Australia’s bowlers had effectively finished the third day’s play, leaving England needing 44 more runs to make Australia bat again as they resumed on 134 for six.

Stokes and all-rounder Will Jacks earned commendation for batting through the entire first session, pushing England’s score past 200.

However, as the game progressed, the Gabba pitch began exhibiting unpredictable bounce. A Neser delivery struck Stokes on the groin, visibly causing him pain, but he carried on to notch up a single off Doggett, raising his half-century and drawing applause from the England contingent.

It was Smith’s spectacular slip catch that swung the momentum back in Australia’s favor, dismissing Jacks for 41 and triggering an English collapse.

Smith’s remarkable one-handed catch, taken while leaping to his left, ended Jacks’ 96-run partnership with Stokes, ultimately leading to England’s downfall, losing four wickets for 17 runs and being bowled out for 241.

Published on Dec 07, 2025.