England are in the mire in the second Ashes Test with Australia closing in on victory late after dominating day three at The Gabba.
England’s Ashes hopes were left in tatters as they collapsed from 90/1 to 128/6 in the final session of the day, with the tourists facing an almost certain 2-0 deficit in the series. They had begun brightly as they look to launch an unlikely fightback but Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley both squandered starts to let Australia in, with Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith all caught behind thereafter as the hosts ran rampant. They will begin day four still 43 in arrears and requiring a miracle to avoid defeat.
Earlier, Australia had made England toil as they were finally bowled out for 511 to take a first-innings lead of 177, with Starc producing an excellent 77 to continue his superb series. Scott Boland provided fine support for his fellow tail-ender as the hosts played patiently against an attack that looked short of answers. Their failure to wipe out the tail meant that they were batting under lights for the majority of their second innings, making the task tougher — and a high-class display of seam bowling from Australia saw them take total control.
Follow all the latest updates, scores and analysis on day three at The Gabba below:
Ashes 2025/26: Australia v England - second Test, day three
- Australia in total control of third Test at the Gabba | Live on TNT Sports
- England's Ashes hopes slip away with collapse late on day three
- Australia took huge first-innings lead of 177 after England made to toil with ball
- Mitchell Starc (77) produced half-century in Australia's 511 to continue outstanding series
- Joe Root (138*) helped England to 334 all out in first innings
Woeful England slide towards second Test defeat as Mitchell Starc and Australia dominate
12:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland suffered another dose of despair at the Gabba as Australia moved in for the kill on day three of the second Ashes Test.
The tourists were a distant second best in every way as they hobbled to the brink of a loss that would leave them 2-0 down with three to play. Their hopes of reclaiming the urn were fading faster than ever as they faded to 134 for six, still 43 adrift.
It was abject viewing at a ground that has become synonymous with English heartache, Australia’s tailenders grinding the visiting attack into the Brisbane dirt.
Their last three wickets put on 128 runs as England’s weary bowlers struggled to make a dent against a lower-order who were taunting them with their mere presence.
In building a total of 511 and a lead of 177 they batted just long enough to use up the last of the natural light, then set about chopping down opponents who were unable to show the same diligence and dedication.
Woeful England slide towards second Test defeat as Starc and Australia dominate
Michael Vaughan criticises 'humiliated' England
12:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleMichael Vaughan bemoaned another day of "humiliation" for England after they collapsed to the brink of a second successive hefty Ashes defeat against Australia in Brisbane.
The tourists finished day three on 134 for six, still 43 adrift, at the Gabba and former captain Vaughan insisted they only had themselves to blame for sticking to their attacking philosophy.
Vaughan told BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra: "England were humiliated in that second day in Perth, and today and yesterday.
"Australia have just dominated two days of cricket. From England having a decent day one we all got a bit excited within two days. Australia have gone, 'OK, we will show you how to bat in Test match cricket and then we will show you how to bowl'.
"This one way of playing and ultra-aggressive driving on the up at all costs when the ball is doing a bit just doesn't work.
"It's just not possible to play this style of cricket against quality bowlers. Let's just mention this Australian team have got over a thousand wickets not playing. This is their second string."
England facing second Test defeat
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is worth remembering, too, that this is an Australian team without Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja and (through choice) Nathan Lyon. They’ve just been better than England in every facet in Brisbane. A familiar Ashes tale.
Marcus Trescothick explains England's batting collapse
12:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle"Of course we work with them as coaches,” England’s batting coach tells TNT Sports. “Myself and Baz [Brendon McCullum] will talk with them about what we are trying to do and the principle of how we are trying to play our style of play. When we get it right we dominate and put pressure on the opposition.
"Other times we don't always get right and play bad shots, and that gets highlighted. It is what it is. You have to have some way of trying to play the game. Every game and innings with the batters we try to work out how we can make it better for next time. You play bad shots but sometimes you have to stick your principles with what you are trying to do."
England staring down the barrel of 2-0
12:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s five days of cricket played in this Ashes and already the series feels as good as over. England have been here before, of course, Down Under and do need to show some fight at the very least tomorrow.
Reaction from the England camp
11:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s a day for the batting coach - poor old Marcus Trescothick has been tossed to TNT Sports to provide a post-match interview...
“We’re fairly philosophical about what we do. Obviously it’s not quite operating as it needs to at the moment. They’ve been better than us today, dominated the day and put us under pressure. It’s always challenging when that happens.
“We are trying to score as many runs as we can and take wickets. In certain areas, we probably haven’t been as good as we need to be for long enough. We are trying to put that right all the time.
“Australia are just trying to smash away on a good length. We are all aware of that. They’ve done it really well, hit consistent areas and put us under pressure. It’s always tough when momentum goes in their favour and they get on top of you. It just didn’t quite happen today.”
Mitchell Starc shines again
11:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleScott Boland was very good, but it’s another day on which Mitchell Starc has shown his enduring class. Starc, who seems to be in some pain, was still hitting 90mph in that last over of the day having returned figures of 12-2-48-2 after making a brilliant 77 earlier. Some individual.
Scott Boland has been grabbed for a natter on the boundary
11:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle“Great fun, yeah. We thought the ball was going to come alive a bit in the night session, and I thought we bowled pretty well. England always play their shots, so we felt if we put enough balls in the right area, we were going to get some chances. Michael Neser held on to a couple of great catches to get us going.
“Our main objective from the start of the day was to, one, get some overs into the England bowlers but also to stretch out our bowling into the night session. Starcy batted amazingly and it was fun out there with him. I’ll take both [the runs and the wickets].”
STUMPS! England 134/6, trail by 43
11:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England 134/6 (35), trail by 43
11:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland’s last four wickets added 123 in the first innings; this is a talented tail, as Jofra Archer showed. But these are rather different circumstances.
Mitchell Starc hauls himself through a sixth over in the spell, and that’ll be that for the day that he and Australia have again dominated.
England 134/6 (34), trail by 43
11:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleInto the final couple of overs of the day. Ben Stokes gets two through the offside off a slight leading edge.
NOT OUT! England 132/6 (33), trail by 45
11:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleJacks, off the mark already with a handsome shot through the covers, hasn’t got bat on that - straight off the thigh pad. Australia over-eager, for obvious reasons.
England were 90/1. Some collapse.
Not out! Australia review...
11:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleSurely not another? A sprawling Alex Carey takes acrobatically down the legside and has Will Jacks hit it?
OUT! Jamie Smith c †Carey b Starc 4, England 128/6 (32.3), trail by 49
11:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleAs suspected, there’s a healthy edge. Oh, England.
A third batter in succession falls caught behind, Jamie Smith doing neither one nor t’other as he grapples with his uncertainty. A half-hearted drive, a sixth wicket down - an innings defeat is suddenly a very real possibility.
OUT! Jamie Smith reviews...
11:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother! Maybe. Jamie Smith reviews after what sounded like an edge through to Alex Carey behind...
England 127/5 (32), trail by 50
11:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleScott Boland is all over Jamie Smith, honing in on that front pad. Come through this passage, we know Smith has the game to counter-punch, but such a scenario feels a long way off at the moment.
England 127/5 (31.3), trail by 50
11:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleRelief for Jamie Smith, off the mark with a delicious drive to mid-off’s right. Scott Boland puts him back in his box by nipping one back through the gate, a delivery that is becoming a bit of a nagging concern for Smith, and over the top of the stumps.
England 123/5 (31), trail by 54
11:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat’s that old Hemingway line? Gradually, then suddenly. There have been no real magic balls from Australia, but it’s been high-class, consistent seam bowling and England haven’t been able to cope. 20 minutes until the close.
England 123/5 (30), trail by 54
11:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleAn enthralling passage, this - though probably not if you are of an English persuasion.
England wickets keep falling...
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Harry Brook is OUT for 15 ❌
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England 123/5 (29.4), trail by 54
11:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleA massive appeal for LBW as Jamie Smith is hit first up. No review. Ben Stokes gives his younger partner time, wandering down for a chat with Smith. The wicketkeeper is in the cauldron here.
OUT! Harry Brook c †Carey b Boland 15, England 123/5 (29.3), trail by 54
11:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleA huge spike on Snicko and Harry Brook will have to go!
A bizarre passage but Scott Boland is rewarded for his unerring consistency! Two wrong decisions in a row, but Australia won’t care - England’s middle order is being dismantled and their Ashes hopes are in tatters.
REVIEW! England 123/4 (29.3), trail by 54
11:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlmost identical! This time it isn’t given; this time Australia review...
NOT OUT! England 123/4 (29.2), trail by 54
11:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleA great gaping chasm between bat and ball. Bat on pad the sound. Not out and overturned quickly - Brook survives.
OUT! But Harry Brook reviews
10:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleUp go Australia and up goes the finger! Scott Boland snakes one past Harry Brook’s defensive shot - but did he hit it?
England 123/4 (28), trail by 54
10:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleSome credit must go to Australia for how well they have bowled since dinner. They did not get it right with the new ball when England embarked in this innings but all four of their seamers have been at it tonight.
Steve Smith has pushed back mid-off about three-quarters of the way towards the boundary in anticipation of a possible Harry Brook charge. Brook pushes a single down to that fielder. He has 15; Ben Stokes 1 from his first 11 balls.
England 122/4 (28), trail by 55
10:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleA maiden from Scott Boland to Ben Stokes keeps the pressure on.
England 122/4 (27), trail by 55
10:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat a series Mitchell Starc is having. He’s been below his best with the ball today but that is a crucial wicket to follow vital runs earlier. Some cricketer.
England 121/4 (26.3), trail by 56
10:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleHello, Benjamin. England may need another Stokes Ashes epic to keep their hopes in this Test alive.
OUT! Joe Root c †Carey b Starc 15, England 121/4 (26.2), trail by 56
10:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleA massive edge! A massive moment! Joe Root is gone as Mitchell Starc strikes again.
Root was reaching for it and perhaps reconsidered the shot as he played it, not quite getting to the ball. It’s a big, big nick - back England’s first innings centurion walks as they sleep deeper into the mire.
Review! England 121/3 (26.2), trail by 56
10:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleNicked behind? Joe Root shouts “oh no” but it isn’t given - Australia waste little time in sending it upstairs...
NOT OUT! England 121/3 (26), trail by 56
10:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrook was. It might have been high, too. Closer on first view, you’d say - Australia’s eagerness to review as understandable but that’s a good decision from Sharfuddoula Saikat.
Review! England 121/3 (26), trail by 56
10:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleScott Boland is back amongst things and worries Harry Brook with one that keeps low outside off stump. A little wider and shorter, though, and Brook carves him to the backward point boundary.
Now then! Is that out? Brook rapped on the pad with a nip-backer. Was he outside the line? Australia review...
England 115/3 (25), trail by 62
10:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoe Root expresses his frustration as Harry Brook fails to come through for what he felt was a single through backward point. There were a few instances like that during his first-innings hundred - and the run out of Ben Stokes, of course, which felt much more like the England captain’s fault.
Root comes back for an aggressive two later in the over to go to 15.
Mitchell Starc doesn’t perhaps look entirely comfortable, rubbing his lower back. He had some treatment on his right elbow while batting earlier, too.
England 110/3 (24), trail by 67
10:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleMitchell Starc is returning to the attack. Not for the first time in this innings, some attention is given to the footholes on the crease line, with Starc looking to come around the wicket - Scott Boland was similarly concerned about his landing zone earlier. Out a member of the grounds staff comes with the massive hammer.
England 110/3 (24), trail by 67
10:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s not been the most confident start from Harry Brook, almost contriving to chop on with an indeterminate shot outside off stump. England probably need this partnership between the two Yorkshiremen to last until the day is out, realistically.
England 107/3 (23), trail by 70
10:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleA lot is made of the difference between cricket in Australia and England but this feels very County Championship at the moment, a couple of seamers nibbling away around off-stump on a slowish pitch with the keeper up to the stumps at times.
Joe Root gets a boundary away off Brendan Doggett but almost falls three balls later, Doggett jagging one in and aided by the ball keeping low. It virtually takes a coat of paint off of off-stump.
The optimistic England fans at the Gabba launch into their familiar refrain, more in hope than expectation at this juncture, you’d have to say.
England 101/3 (22), trail by 76
10:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleHarry Brook is off the mark with a help off the hip to fine leg. England in a fair bit of bother, though, with Michael Neser showing his considerable skillset - great reward for one of the most consistent performers in Australian domestic cricket over the last decade.
Zak Crawley is caught OUT just short of his 50 😬
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England 97/3 (21.3), trail by 80
10:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleGone first ball? No! Australia seemed certain initially as Alex Carey snagged behind the stumps but it had evaded Harry Brook’s back, instead striking the top of his pad. Great gloves from Carey; Brook survives.
DRINKS! England 97/3 (21.2), trail by 80
10:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
OUT! Zak Crawley c & b Neser 44, England 97/3 (21.2), trail by 80
10:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother snagged by Michael Neser off his own bowling! Zak Crawley goes!
That’s a superb catch from Neser, clasped low to his right without breaking stride. It’s a very similar dismissal to Ollie Pope’s, Crawley through the shot too soon and skewing an attempted clap through the covers straight into Neser’s paws. Australia are on the charge!
England 95/2 (21), trail by 82
10:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is a very tidy spell from Brendan Doggett. He has figures of 5-2-13-0 after a maiden to Joe Root.
Probably one more over before drinks.
England 95/2 (20), trail by 82
10:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleZak Crawley has been starved of the strike a little in this last period. He plays out four dot balls from Michael Neser to remain on 42 as England seek to rebuild.
England 94/2 (19), trail by 83
10:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoe Root swivels another single down to that fielder on the boundary as Brendan Doggett tests him with the short ball at the end of an otherwise scoreless over.
England 93/2 (18), trail by 84
10:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou can understand Ollie Pope’s eagerness to impose himself on Michael Neser, but you’d have to say that’s another disappointing dismissal for England’s No 3.
Joe Root’s first three runs all come to the left of fine leg as Neser searches for his stumps.
England 90/2 (17.2), trail by 87
09:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleEnter Joe Root, greeted by Alex Carey behind him - the wicketkeeper is up to the stumps as Neser continues his fourth over.
OUT! Ollie Pope c & b Neser 26, England 90/2 (17.1), trail by 87
09:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleA start thrown away! You feared it was coming for Ollie Pope, who throws his head back in despair.
Michael Neser is back into the attack and, having shelled one in his follow-through earlier, snags one in front of his face with two hands. A sharp catch, but a poor shot from a groping Pope and a soft dismissal.
England 90/1 (17), trail by 87
09:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleSpooned through the covers! Ollie Pope drives uppishly through the covers but it is wide of Josh Inglis at full extension, the Australia fielder falling awkwardly on his shoulder. Pope goes to 19.
Nicked for four! Fortune is favouring England here. It’s a terribly loose shot from Pope once more, driving a ball that isn’t there wide of off stump, but the extra bounce helps take it over the right shoulder of Steve Smith at second slip.
A clipped three make it a productive, if uneasy, over for Pope and England.
England 78/1 (16), trail by 99
09:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleJust a single off Scott Boland’s fifth over in the spell, clipped by Zak Crawley wide of mid-on.
At the other end, Mitchell Starc’s short burst is at an end as Brendan Doggett returns.
England 77/1 (15), trail by 100
09:46 , Harry Latham-CoylePope nearly comes-a-cropper with a big booming drive wide of off stump. Two balls later, Mitchell Starc puts it in the same spot and Pope has learned his lesson, leaving it alone.
England 76/1 (14), trail by 101
09:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleSigns of mischief in the surface as Scott Boland first gets one to shoot through and then another to lift, Ollie Pope down well to keep the first out and craning his gloves out of the way to evade the second. And that’s a very nice response, checking an off drive straight of mid-off for four. Pope played a quite magnificent innings of 196 under similar circumstances in Hyderabad at the start of last year - conditions are a trifle different in Brisbane, but there are signs he is settling in.
England 71/1 (13), trail by 106
09:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleMitchell Starc goes for the magic ball, a hooping inswinging yorker that Ollie Pope jabs a bat down on in the nick of time.
England 70/1 (12.2), trail by 107
09:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleJust over Cameron Green! Zak Crawley living dangerously, waving his bat outside off stump and getting just enough of an edge on it to clear the Green giant in the gully.
England 63/1 (12), trail by 114
09:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleScott Boland generates a bit of extra bounce off a length, as is his wont, unsettling Ollie Pope. Pope gets a drive ball next and doesn’t quite get into it, losing his bottom hand off the bat.
Boland strays straighter, and Pope takes advantage, flicking to fine leg well wide of Josh Inglis at leg slip. You can see the Australian strategy, though.
This is turning into another strong knock from Zak Crawley. Boland is slightly too full and the tall England batter is forward to crunch it straight of mid-on for four. But that’s where he needs to be careful - looking to repeat the trick, he plays at one he shouldn’t have and is beaten on the inside edge. He has 34, Pope eight.
England 52/1 (11), trail by 125
09:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleA thick inside edge evades both Zak Crawley’s pads and, more importantly for him, his stumps, travelling down to fine leg for two. Mitchell Starc tries to draw him into something ambitious by pushing his line wider still; Crawley watches it go.
England 50/1 (10.2), trail by 127
09:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleMitchell Starc is brought back into the attack, his three overs earlier costing 25. Can he find a bit more rhythm after some extra rest following his exploits with the bat?
England 50/1 (10), trail by 127
09:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleBoth England batters are on off-stump guards, by the looks of things, trying to negate the threat of the nip-backer by getting a stride in and therefore outside of the line. Steve Smith responds with a man around the corner at leg slip, perhaps enabling Scott Boland to go a little straighter.
Good cricket, this. Here’s how Ben Duckett fell:
Ben Duckett is GONE for 15 ❌
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England are 48-1...
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England 50/1 (9.3), trail by 127
09:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleTwo big LBW appeals from Scott Boland in the over, the first for Zak Crawley outside the line, the second for Ollie Pope rather closer but not out for the same reason. Australia correctly elect not to review either, despite Boland’s urging.
England 49/1 (9), trail by 128
09:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis has been much better from the first-change Australian seamers after dinner. Brendan Doggett squares up Ollie Pope and draws another leading edge into the leg side from the new England batter. It falls safely, and the skittish Pope is sent back by Zak Crawley as he searches for a single that was never there.
England 49/1 (8.2), trail by 128
09:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleBen Duckett didn’t do too much wrong at all there - but it shows how crucial that first-innings lead might be for Australia if the pitch becomes more up-and-down as the Test progresses.
England 49/1 (8), trail by 128
09:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleSo nearly two in two! A leading edge from Ollie Pope, on a pair, falls just shy of Scott Boland in his follow-through. Crikey.
Pope is up and away with a turn down to fine leg.
OUT! Ben Duckett b Boland 15, England 48/1 (7.4), trail by 129
09:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleGonzo! Scott Boland sneaks one under the bat to uproot Ben Duckett!
A rueful glance at the surface from Duckett after getting one that appeared to scuttle through. He was forward but it took the bottom of the bat and the death rattle sounded thereafter. Australia have their breakthough!
England 48/0 (7.3), trail by 129
09:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleScott Boland shares duties of getting things started after supper. His record against England in the second innings is supreme.
England 46/0 (7), trail by 131
09:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia have sweepers back on both square boundaries, the lead still big but Steve Smith not in the mood to let the deficit be erased quickly. And this is a lovely start from Brendan Doggett, beating each batter in turn with nip from the seam.
He strikes Zak Crawley on the pad with the last ball of the over, but the lanky opener was hit above the knee roll - too high.
England 45/0 (6.1), trail by 132
09:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrendan Doggett is on for Australia - can he find some of the consistency that Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser lacked before the break?
Final session
09:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight then. Another crucial session in the match - Australia will have use of a relatively new ball under the lights. Survive these 30 overs or so and England will begin to have hope of a proper fightback - but that may be easier said than done...
DINNER! England 45/0 (6), trail by 132
08:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England 45/0 (6), trail by 132
08:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleUppish again from Ben Duckett but safely straight of the mid-off fielder, Travis Head pushed a little wider there to cover the angles.
This will be the last over before the dinner break. Zak Crawley is in no mood to take any chances in the rest of Michael Neser’s set of six. He has 26, Duckett 13, and off for the interval they go after a good little mini-session.
England 39/0 (5), trail by 138
08:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleImperious! Two magnificent drives from Zak Crawley, the second on the up some way outside off stump. Care must be taken out there, though, as shown when Crawley’s attempt to double the dose is beaten by extra bounce from Mitchell Starc.
Still, he’s raced to 23 from 18 balls. Bright and breezy.
England 26/0 (4), trail by 151
08:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleMichael Neser is rather unkind to Alex Carey, swinging one some way down the leg side that the keeper hasn’t a hope of corralling. Four byes. Harsh on the gloveman, so good in the first innings behind the stumps.
An all-run four takes Ben Duckett to 10. Australia haven’t started brilliantly here, too many loose balls allowing England’s openers into their work.
England 18/0 (3.3), trail by 159
08:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleOne would suggest from these first few overs that England will be as much battling with their own urges and imperfections than anything in the surface. We will see if this ball does slightly more when darkness fully descends but there is precious little in the pitch to cause angst.
And Duckett almost gives it away! A hard-handed drive is dropped by Michael Neser in his follow through. It came quickly - a tough chance, but a chance nonetheless.
England 18/0 (3), trail by 159
08:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleYowzer. A beaut from Mitchell Starc, a curvaceous outswinger that Ben Duckett doesn’t quite manage to nick.
England have begun positively, though. Again Starc strays on to the pads of Duckett, who levers to leg for three. Zak Crawley’s soft hands steer a couple more wide of Cameron Green’s vast wingspan in the gully, and another boundary off his legs continues an assured start.
For what it is worth, England were 221 behind at the Gabba in 2010 and made 517/1 in the third innings.
England 9/0 (2), trail by 168
08:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleToo good bits of batting from Zak Crawley, first flicking Michael Neser to the square leg boundary and then producing a very well-judged leave. Already Alex Carey has been forced to glove one on the hop, showing the lack of pace in the pitch we saw at times late in the Australia innings.
England 5/0 (1), trail by 172
08:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleA sharp single into the covers gets Zak Crawley and England going.
Right, Ben Duckett on a king pair. He avoids that particular ignominy. A bit of shape from Mitchell Starc takes the outside half of Duckett’s bat a couple of balls later, but Duckett is off the mark in the match with a pleasant clip off his pads as Starc then strays too straight.
For the first time in the series, both England openers are off the mark and they escape the first over unscathed. Small wins for the tourists.
England 0/0 (0.1), trail by 177
08:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe first ball...blocked into the off side by Zak Crawley. No run. Mitchell Starc on the spot straight away, though.
England 0/0, trail by 177
08:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleOut saunter Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. How will England approach this?
England 0/0, trail by 177
08:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe good news for England is that the pitch looks flat. The bad news is that the lights are on, darkness is descending and Mitchell Starc will have a new pink ball in his hands. This will be some test of their technique and temperament.
END OF INNINGS! Australia lead by 177
08:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleScott Boland finishes unbeaten on 21.
Here are England’s figures:
Jofra Archer 25-3-87-1
Gus Atkinson 28-6-114-1
Brydon Carse 29-3-152-4
Ben Stokes 24-0-113-3
Will Jacks 11.3-2-34-1
OUT! Brendan Doggett c Brook b Jacks 13, Australia 511 all out (lead by 177)
08:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s that! Will Jacks has his first Ashes wicket, catching the edge of Brendan Doggett for a second over in a row and this time finding the hands of Harry Brook. Off dash Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett to ready themselves to face the music under the lights - a bruising innings for England is at an end.
Australia 511/9 (117), lead by 177
08:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleScott Boland has his best Test score. Which is nice.
Brydon Carse hurls down his 29th over. 4-152 his figures now.
Australia 508/9 (116), lead by 174
07:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleEdged...but short! Would you believe it? Brendan Doggett prods outside off stump, Will Jacks’s ball goes on with the arm and kisses the edge, but doesn’t reach Harry Brook lunging desperately forward at slip. Onwards Australia go.
Australia 505/9 (115.1), lead by 170
07:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrendan Doggett gets to 10 with a mistimed drive. Every Australia batter has now got into double figures. England’s misery deepens.
Australia 504/9 (115), lead by 170
07:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia have never lost a Test at the Gabba in which they’ve made 500. And here’s more bad news for England:
Pat Cummins set for Australia return in third Ashes Test: ‘I’ll be good to go’
Australia 502/9 (114), lead by 168
07:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleToo short and wide from Will Jacks and Brendan Doggett brings up the Australian 500 with a tonk through the covers.
Australia 496/9 (113), lead by 162
07:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleBen Duckett and Zak Crawley share an exchange in the cordon having observed the lights coming on. An anxious stroke of the chin from Duckett, on a king pair, of course, after his first-baller in the first innings.
Drinks.
Starc is finally OUT for 77 and England close in 👊
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 6, 2025
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Australia 495/9 (112), lead by 161
07:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleA single apiece to Australia’s last men standing as Will Jacks twirls in again. Jacks has bowled decently, finding good flight and drift at times, although neither batter is unduly concerned.
Australia 493/9 (111), lead by 159
07:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s 4-146 for Brydon Carse now, closing in on a five-for to...well, probably not savour, but a five-for nonetheless. Brendan Doggett is the new man, and off the mark with a couple after catapulting a short ball to long leg.
OUT! Mitchell Starc c Stokes b Carse 77, Australia 491/9 (110.2)
07:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleHeavens, he’s gone! Just about! Mitchell Starc finally makes an error, failing to time a slap from wide outside off stump and skewing it high in the air. Two England fielders almost get themselves in a horrible tangle but Ben Stokes, the larger of them, bashes Ben Duckett aside and clings on to the catch.
An outstanding knock from Mitchell Starc, though, continuing a sterling series. 13 fours in his 77 from 141 balls.
Australia 491/8 (110), lead by 157
07:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is a bit of speculation about a declaration, curiously, with Steve Smith surely minded to just let these two plough on. Mitchell Starc has had a bit of treatment on his right elbow, and looks in slight discomfort as he strides through for the sole single of Will Jacks’s eighth over.
Australia 490/8 (109), lead by 156
07:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleMitchell Starc lifts Gus Atkinson back over his head for four to move into the 70s. Gus Atkinson responds with a short ball that would have gone over the head of Yao Ming. A wide.
Four more for Starc, this time lofted over mid-on. Some shot, that, and the pose is held for the cameras. Starc’s begin to open up his arms. This is now the longest partnership of the series. A quick single allows Starc to keep the strike and move on to 76, with an errant throw striking him on the rump of the back.
Australia 480/8 (108), lead by 146
07:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleNathan Lyon has perched himself alongside Alex Carey down near the boundary as England’s off-spinner Will Jacks continues to whir away without success. Jacks does manage to beat the edge of Scott Boland as the Australia No 10 props forward outside off stump.
Australia 479/8 (107), lead by 145
07:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleMitchell Starc now has more runs from No 9 than any other Test cricketer, going past Stuart Broad. He’s batted at No 8 a fair bit, too - he and Pat Cummins, when fit, really do deepen the Australian order.
The shadows continue to lengthen on the Gabba outfield.
Australia 478/8 (106), lead by 144
07:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotty Boland blocks back Will Jacks’s sixth over. A maiden.
Australia 478/8 (105), lead by 144
07:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe said earlier that Mitchell Starc is continuing to climb that list of top Test run-scorers without a ton, but he’s beginning to threaten to drop off it - two gorgeous drives through the covers move him on to 65. It’s getting ugly for England.
Here is how he went to 50:
How about that shot from Mitchell Starc to bring up 50!#Ashes | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/fq6JmqMUP1
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2025
Australia 470/8 (104), lead by 136
07:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleMitchell Starc brings up the 50 partnership with a little nurdle to leg. And how about that from Scott Boland - too wide and too full from Will Jacks, and driven with elan wide of mid-off for four.
Australia 465/8 (103), lead by 131
07:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe partnership is now 49 from 121 balls. Excellent work from these two.
Will Jacks will continue.
Australia 465/8 (102.2), lead by 131
06:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleStreaky runs, but runs all the same, for Scott Boland, chopping to the fine leg fence with an ill-conceived cut. Off the inside edge and very close to off peg. Every Australia batter has got to double figures, which is perhaps a sign of a true surface.
Australia 461/8 (102), lead by 127
06:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleA maiden from Will Jacks, helping to repair his figures somewhat after going for nine in his first yesterday. Mitchell Starc happy to play patiently.
Australia 461/8 (101), lead by 127
06:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleMitchell Starc’s top score, by the way, is 99 - a figure he shares with wife Alyssa Healy. And the late Shane Warne, of course, who ended his career with the most Test runs without a hundred. Starc is now third on that list, with the ever-entertaining Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella splitting the Australians.
He’ll keep climbing with shots like that - a languid straight drive past Gus Atkinson. Atkinson had over-stepped, too. Starc goes to 56 with a single; Scott Boland is struck on the thigh pad with his 28th ball to remain on seven.
50! Australia 455/8 (100), lead by 121
06:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleHello! Turn and bounce from the heart of the pitch from Will Jacks. Nathan Lyon, watching on having been left out, perhaps shakes his head...
But there is 50 for Mitchell Starc, an agricultural heave through cow corner taking him to the milestone from 100 balls. An excellent hand, this.
Australia 450/8 (99), lead by 116
06:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleWill Jacks, perhaps slightly surprisingly, will continue after tea. How will Mitchell Starc approach him? He’s four runs away from a 12th Test century.
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