England’s Ashes hopes have been left in tatters after falling 2-0 to behind to Australia after another dismal defeat in Brisbane.
The hosts reeled in a fourth-innings chase of just 65 for the loss of two wickets to secure victory with more than a day to spare in a ruthless performance. England had battled hard on day four with Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacks (41) sharing a stand of 96 to drag them into the lead and raise hopes of an unlikely fightback. The pair showed excellent discipline and patience to make it through the first session of the day unscathed, producing the first wicketless session of the series so far, with their calm, considered approach contrasted with some of England’s batting last night. But just as they looked set to kick on, Jacks fell to a spectacular catch from Steve Smith before Michael Neser drew a feather behind from Stokes to remove the visiting skipper with England just 50 ahead. It was over quickly thereafter, allowing Australia to blast towards victory despite a hostile spell from Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson.
