Smith lauds Australia's adaptability after facile win

Stand-in captain Steven Smith maintained his unbeaten record as Test skipper as Australia secured a comprehensive victory in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, taking a 2-0 series lead. In his eleven matches as captain, Smith now has eight wins and three draws.

Australia's patience was tested by a stubborn 221-ball, 96-run seventh-wicket stand between Ben Stokes and Will Jacks. However, the hosts played the long game and, powered by Michael Neser's maiden five-wicket haul, bowled England out for 241 in their second innings. A target of 65 was chased down with ease.

"That was a huge win, obviously great to go 2-0 up," Smith said. "It's been a wonderful couple of weeks for the team. I think we've played some sensational cricket, we've identified moments in the game and made the most of them… Super proud, I think everyone played their role."

Reflecting on the team's approach during the Stokes-Jacks partnership, Smith highlighted their adaptability. "I think that's one thing this team's done for the last four years… we identify what we need to do at that present moment and adapt. And I think we've done that well for a long period of time… I thought we did that really well today."

Smith defended the selection of Michael Neser over Nathan Lyon, emphasizing Neser's ability to fulfill specific roles. Neser contributed a handy partnership with Alex Carey in the first innings and was decisive in the second, taking 5 for 42. His spell on Day 3 triggered a collapse from 90/1 to 128/6, and on Day 4, he broke the critical Stokes-Jacks stand.

"It was tight, you know, we could have gone a few different ways and it's certainly nothing against Nathan," Smith explained. "We just thought if we can get our sessions right… Michael offers something different. We can bring the keeper up, we can bowl stump to stump, keep things tight and make you take risks."

Smith was also effusive in his praise for wicketkeeper Alex Carey. "I thought he batted beautifully too, but yeah, that performance behind the stumps was something else… He works exceptionally hard. He's as fit as anyone, he just turns up day in, day out, rarely makes a mistake and pulls off unbelievable catches. That keeping performance was as good as I've seen."

Looking ahead to the third Test in Adelaide, Smith expects a strong response from England. "They're obviously a really good side and have played great cricket for a couple of years now… So they're going to come back hard, whether they come back and play really aggressive or… try and long the game a bit, we'll wait and see. They've got some really good players… they're going to come back hard at this next game."