Australia wrapped up the second Ashes Test with an emphatic win over England on the fourth day at the Gabba, chasing a modest target of 65 runs to take the match by eight wickets.
England resumed their second innings at 134 for 6, still 43 runs short of making Australia bat again. Captain Ben Stokes and Will Jacks kept England afloat through the morning session, taking the side to a 16-run lead by tea after adding 59 valuable runs.
However, the resistance collapsed soon after the break. Stokes fell for 50, followed by Jacks for 41, triggering the final slide. England were bowled out for 241, leaving Australia a small target.
Australian pacer Michael Neser proved the standout performer, taking five wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland claimed two each, and Brendan Doggett picked up one.
Australia made light work of the chase, reaching 67 for 2. Travis Head scored 22 and Jake Wetherald 17, while Steve Smith (23*) and Marnus Labuschagne (3*) finished unbeaten to guide their team home.
England’s earlier batting effort included contributions from Zak Crawley (44), Ollie Pope (26), Ben Duckett (15), Joe Root (15), Harry Brook (15), and Jamie Smith (4).
Australia’s commanding first-innings total of 511 laid the foundation for victory. Mitchell Starc produced a career-best 77, with support from Alex Carey (63), Jake Wetherald (72), Labuschagne (65), Steve Smith (61), Cameron Green (45), Travis Head (33) and Josh Inglis (23).
England had posted 334 in their first innings, anchored by an unbeaten 138 from Joe Root. For Australia, Starc took six wickets, while Neser, Doggett and Boland claimed one each.
