The Ashes 2025 Live: Australia vs England, Second Test, Brisbane – Cricket Score, Radio & Highlights

The Ashes 2025: Brisbane Set for Thrilling Cricket Action

As the sun rises over Brisbane, cricket fans from around the world are gearing up for what promises to be an enthralling encounter between England and Australia in the second Test match of the Ashes 2025 series. This pivotal clash is shaping up as a battle that could define both teams’ futures in international cricket.

Lineups and Early Action

The match began with England winning the toss, electing to bat first at the Gabba. With the pink ball being used for the first time in 13 years under Australian conditions, the pitch is expected to offer plenty of movement and bounce.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett are opening the batting for England, with Duckett opting for sensible defense early on before chopping on to his stumps. This duck from Duckett adds to his record of two ducks in Perth, raising concerns about his form at this critical juncture.

Pressure Mounting on England

Australia’s pace attack, led by Michael Neser, is causing significant trouble for the English batsmen. Zak Crawley picks up a boundary through square leg before being out to a sharp catch by Alex Carey. England are now at 5-2 in their first innings.

Phil Tufnell, former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special (TMS), comments, “Mitchell Starc looks like he’s going to get a wicket off every ball.” Sure enough, Joe Root is nicked behind and caught by Steve Smith for a duck. England are slipping fast.

Selection Changes

Australia have made some significant changes to their playing XI, leaving out Nathan Lyon in favor of a four-man pace attack that includes Josh Inglis and Michael Neser. This is the first time in 71 Tests over 13 years that Australia have played without Lyon at home.

England’s captain Ben Stokes won the toss but chose to bat first, replacing Mark Wood with Will Jacks while retaining his other selection. The early signs are not good for England, and the pressure is mounting as they attempt to navigate the tricky pink ball conditions.

Memorial Service

A reminder that both teams will wear black armbands in memory of Robin Smith, a former England and Hampshire cricketer who passed away earlier this week. There will be a moment of silence before the national anthems to honor his memory.

The Ashes series is not just about cricket; it’s about tradition, pride, and honoring those who have made significant contributions to the sport. This Test at the Gabba carries extra weight as both teams aim to make their mark in this defining moment of Bazball.

Expert Analysis

Jonathan Agnew, BBC Chief Cricket Commentator on TMS, adds, “England’s top three don’t give Root many chances to put his feet up. I do feel sorry for him.” Indeed, Root’s form is crucial for England, and the early wickets suggest he will be under pressure from the start.

Stephan Shemilt, BBC chief cricket reporter, notes, “This could be the most important Test for the entire Bazball project. It is certainly the most crucial since the third Test of 2023 Ashes when England were 2-0 down and teetering on implosion.” The stakes are high as both teams seek to turn the series around.

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live Sport for live commentary, or catch the full highlights from 5pm each day on BBC iPlayer. Get in touch with your thoughts on how England will fare against the pink ball and Mitchell Starc at the Gabba.

Moving forward, the match promises to be a closely watched affair, with both teams and their fans eagerly awaiting developments. As England slip to 5-2 after winning the toss, all eyes are on how they will respond under pressure in this defining Test.