Neser's maiden fifer powers Australia to 2-0 Ashes lead

Australia secured a comprehensive eight-wicket victory in the pink-ball Test at the Gabba, taking a 2-0 series lead in the Ashes. Chasing a target of 65, they completed the win in just 10 overs.

The match was decisively shaped by Michael Neser, who claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in the second innings. His spell of 5 for 42 dismantled England, who were bowled out for 241. Key wickets included Will Jacks (41) and a resilient Ben Stokes (50), breaking a stubborn 96-run partnership that had offered England hope.

England began Day 4 at 134 for 6, but Stokes and Jacks displayed immense resolve, batting through the first session without loss—a first for England in this series. Their resistance ended when Jacks edged Neser to Steve Smith, who took a spectacular one-handed catch. Stokes fell shortly after, edging behind off Neser, triggering a collapse where England lost their last four wickets for just 28 runs.

In the brief chase, Travis Head (22) started aggressively before falling to Gus Atkinson, who also removed Marnus Labuschagne. Steve Smith (23*) ensured a swift finish, hitting two fours and a six in the ninth over and sealing the win with a pulled six in the tenth.

Match Context:

• England's first innings of 344 was built on Joe Root’s unbeaten 138—his first Test century in Australia.
• Mitchell Starc was instrumental for Australia, taking 6 for 75 in England's first innings and later top-scoring with 77 in Australia's reply of 511.
• This defeat marks England's 14th loss at the Gabba and the first instance of a team losing a Day-Night Test after scoring 300-plus batting first.

Brief Scores:
England 344 (Root 138*, Crawley 76; Starc 6-75) & 241 (Stokes 50, Crawley 44; Neser 5-42)
Australia 511 (Starc 77, Weatherald 72; Carse 4-152) & 69/2 (Smith 23*, Head 22; Atkinson 2-37)
Australia won by 8 wickets.