Australia improved their position in the 2nd Ashes Test at the Gabba, finishing Day 3 in a strong spot after gaining a valuable first-innings lead. Mitchell Starc’s impressive 77 off 141 balls stood out, helping Australia reach a total of 511. This gave them a 177-run advantage over England.
England replied with the bat. Their top order initially showed promise, finding their rhythm and forming steady partnerships against the Australian bowlers. However, the middle and lower order could not build on their starts. By stumps, England were at 134/6, still trailing by 43 runs, with only four wickets left.
With most of the batting lineup already out, England faces a tough challenge on Day 4. They need to aim for a significant total and set a competitive target for Australia. However, with limited batting resources left, the pressure is on.
Day 3 Highlights
Australia resumed their first innings on Day 3 at 378/6. Alex Carey and Michael Neser aimed to extend their lead over England’s 334. Carey continued his strong performance from the day before, reaching his 12th Test fifty. England responded when Ben Stokes dismissed Neser in the 76th over, shifting the focus to Australia’s lower order.
Mitchell Starc quickly changed the momentum with back-to-back boundaries off Brydon Carse in the 79th over. Carey’s innings ended when Gus Atkinson claimed his first Ashes wicket with the second new ball, catching an outside edge held by Jamie Smith. Starc added crucial runs alongside Scott Boland, who scored 21 off 72 balls, before he fell to Carse. A tenth-wicket stand with Brendan Doggett brought Australia to 511 in 117.3 overs, giving them a 177-run lead.
England started their reply well. Zak Crawley found his rhythm, scoring freely and forming a 48-run partnership with Ben Duckett. However, Duckett fell to Scott Boland in the 8th over. Crawley and Ollie Pope tried to stabilize the innings, but Pope was dismissed for 26 off 32 balls by Michael Neser, keeping England under pressure.
Australia’s seamers continued to dominate. Neser removed Crawley with a caught-and-bowled, and Starc struck again, taking the wickets of Joe Root and Jamie Smith, while Scott Boland dismissed Harry Brook. England was reduced to 128/6, trailing by 49 runs, with only four wickets left.
By stumps, England were 134/6, still behind by 43 runs. Skipper Ben Stokes and Will Jacks were at the crease. Australia remains in control and will look to take the remaining wickets early on Day 4.
Brief Scores: 2nd Ashes Test, Australia vs England (04-08 Dec 2025)
England 1st Innings: 334 (76.2 overs)
- Top Scores: Joe Root 138(206)*, Zak Crawley 76(93)
- Best Bowling (AUS): Mitchell Starc 6/75, Michael Neser 1/43
Australia 1st Innings: 511 (117.3 overs)
- Top Scores: Mitchell Starc 77(141), Jake Weatherald 72(78)
- Best Bowling (ENG): Brydon Carse 4/152, Ben Stokes 3/113
England 2nd Innings: 134/6 (35 overs)
- Top Scores: Zak Crawley 44(59), Ollie Pope 26(32)
- Best Bowling (AUS): Michael Neser 2/27, Scott Boland 2/33
