England Collapse Early as Australia Dominate Day 1 of Second Test at The Gabba

The second Test of the Ashes 2025–26 series began under dramatic circumstances in Brisbane today, as England’s decision to bat first in the day-night encounter immediately backfired against a fiery Australian pace attack. Under glowing pink-ball conditions at The Gabba, Australia seized control of the opening session, with Mitchell Starc once again proving why he remains the most dangerous new-ball bowler in the world.

England’s innings began in disastrous fashion. Starc, operating with his trademark pace and late swing, delivered a devastating first over that removed both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks. Duckett fell pushing at a swinging delivery that took the edge, while Pope was trapped in front by a full delivery that straightened. Within minutes of the first Test cries of “play,” England were reeling at 5/2, the crowd roaring in anticipation of another early Australian collapse of the touring side.

The visitors attempted to regain stability through Zak Crawley and Joe Root, who began the slow process of rebuilding after the early storm. Crawley looked composed against Starc and Hazlewood, leaving well outside off-stump, while Root relied on his trademark soft hands and wristy deflections to navigate the moving ball. Their partnership brought England some much-needed calm, but the momentum remained firmly with Australia after the initial damage.

Australia’s selection raised eyebrows before play, with the hosts opting to leave out veteran spinner Nathan Lyon in favor of Queensland seamer Michael Neser, whose familiarity with the Gabba and skill with the pink ball made him a strategic inclusion. Captain Pat Cummins was also rested, meaning Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc shared the early workload with Neser waiting for the ball to age. The decision to field a seam-heavy attack immediately paid dividends as Australia exploited the swinging evening conditions with precision.

For England, the stakes could not be higher. After suffering a heavy defeat in the first Test in Perth, they entered this match needing a strong batting display to keep the series alive. However, their top-order frailties once again exposed themselves under pressure. While Crawley and Root fought to rebuild, the situation already hinted at another uphill battle for the visitors unless a major partnership emerges.

As the match progressed past the first hour, England’s priority shifted from run-scoring to survival. Root, who has often shouldered the burden of England’s batting in Australia, appeared intent on anchoring the innings, while Crawley matched Starc’s aggression with confident drives and resilient defense.

With Australia leading the five-Test series 1–0 and boasting a formidable record at The Gabba — a venue where England have not tasted victory since 1986 — the early blows today reinforced the scale of the challenge ahead. The day-night conditions, combined with the pink ball’s pronounced movement, continue to favor Australia’s world-class pace unit.

As the shadows lengthen in Brisbane, the match remains delicately poised but undeniably tilted in Australia’s favor. England’s middle order will now need to deliver its finest performance of the tour if they hope to post a competitive total and avoid falling further behind in a series already slipping from their grasp.