Australia moved closer to a commanding 2-0 series lead on Day Three of the second Ashes Test at The Gabba. Mitchell Starc led the charge with a dominant performance under lights. The hosts finished their innings strongly on 511 runs. England collapsed dramatically in the final session, reaching stumps at 134-6 in their second innings. The visitors now trail by 43 runs with uncertainty mounting.
Australia’s Powerful Lower Order Strikes Back
Mitchell Starc continued his extraordinary series with 77 runs from 141 deliveries. The Australian fast bowler built crucial partnerships to extend their first-innings lead significantly. Starc topped the scoring for Australia’s lower order batsmen. His batting display mirrored his bowling prowess throughout this Test series. The partnership between Starc and Scott Boland proved particularly valuable for the hosts. These two batters added 75 runs for the ninth wicket over nearly 28 overs. Australia’s tail wagged effectively against England’s inconsistent bowling attack.
Michael Neser contributed 16 runs before falling caught behind to Ben Stokes. Brydon Carse’s bowling removed Josh Inglis with a stunning catch intervention from Will Jacks. The Australian captain Steve Smith earlier contributed solidly on Day Two. England’s bowling attack struggled to maintain consistent pressure throughout the morning session. Gus Atkinson proved ineffective with the new ball despite some early movement.
Mitchell Starc has now test fifties than Virat Kohli in 2025 and more fifers than Jasprit Bumrah in 2025#ashes25 #AUSvsENG #Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/NBFr3pXRFH
— The last dance (@26lastdance) December 6, 2025
Lights and Cracks Favour Australian Seamers
The day-night format transformed the contest dramatically during the evening session. The pink ball behaviour under floodlights created significant challenges for England’s batsmen. The pitch began opening up visibly as cracks developed across the playing surface. Australia’s seam bowlers capitalised ruthlessly on these deteriorating conditions. Scott Boland emerged as the evening’s standout bowler with figures of 2-33. Mitchell Starc took two further wickets to extend his series tally considerably. Michael Neser and Scott Boland combined to take six English wickets in the final session.
Michael Neser is becoming a caught and bowled master, taking another two tonight. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/AHVeBYci5b
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2025
England’s Opening Partnership Promises Brief Resistance
England’s openers launched an aggressive counter-attack immediately after the tea interval. Zak Crawley and the opening partner raced to 45 runs across six overs before conditions worsened. The visitors demonstrated attacking intent despite their precarious series position. However, the quality of Australia’s bowling under lights proved too formidable. Ben Duckett was bowled by Scott Boland in the second over of the evening session. The English opener failed to adjust to the low-bouncing delivery from Boland’s quick release.
Boland being hailed by the Aussie crowd
Crawley’s Misjudgement Triggers Batting Collapse
Zak Crawley made 44 runs before falling caught and bowled to Michael Neser. The England batter drove loosely on the up to the wrong length delivery. This dismissal followed a similar pattern to Ollie Pope’s departure moments earlier. Crawley failed to learn from his partner’s weakness against the short-pitched deliveries. Ollie Pope contributed 26 runs before also falling caught and bowled to Neser. The Indian bowler delivered two quick wickets within four overs to trigger England’s downfall. Both batters perished attempting drives that skewed to Alex Carey behind the stumps.
Michael Neser takes Zak Crawley’s important catch
Late Order Collapses Under Starc’s Onslaught
Joe Root managed just 15 runs before edging Mitchell Starc behind the wicket. Starc’s delivery found the outside edge as Root looked to defend. Harry Brook fell similarly, nicking the ball through to Carey after facing just 21 balls. Jamie Smith contributed only 4 runs before also edging Starc through the cordon. The English wicket-keeper’s review failed to overturn the decision against him. Starc claimed his 18th wicket of the series thus far, maintaining his position as the series’ leading wicket-taker.
Ben Stokes Steadies England’s Sinking Ship
Ben Stokes finished unbeaten on 4 runs from 24 deliveries, showing characteristic resilience. The England captain resisted the evening’s sustained bowling assault. Stokes remained England’s last recognised batting partner alongside Will Jacks. Both batters showed appropriate caution against increasingly difficult bowling conditions. The captain’s survival offered England’s only real hope heading into Day Four. Stokes demonstrated the application and technique required in deteriorating conditions.
Series Momentum Firmly with Australia
Australia’s position strengthened considerably throughout Day Three’s proceedings. The hosts now hold a commanding advantage heading into the contest’s crucial stages. England finds themselves facing an uphill battle to salvage this match. The visitors must bat significantly better on Day Four to avoid a heavy defeat. Series expectations now favour the Australian team after their Perth victory and Brisbane dominance.
The weather forecast includes thunderstorms for Sunday’s play, potentially disrupting proceedings. This rain threat represents England’s only realistic hope for salvaging the Test match. The tourists must bat courageously and consistently to build a substantial second-innings total. Australia’s bowling attack will look to press home their advantage immediately. The Gabba’s deteriorating pitch will continue favouring the home team’s seam bowlers.
