Brisbane, The Gabba – December 4, 2025 – The Ashes, cricket’s most storied rivalry, has ignited once more, and if the opening session of the 2nd Test at The Gabba is any indication, we’re in for another thrilling encounter. In a dramatic start to the pink-ball contest, Australia’s left-arm express, Mitchell Starc, delivered an electrifying spell, dismantling England’s top order and equalling a legendary Test record, while the hosts themselves sprang a selection surprise that has set the cricketing world abuzz.

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and, perhaps true to his ‘Bazball’ philosophy, opted to bat first on a Gabba pitch that, with the pink ball under early clouds, promised assistance for the fast bowlers. It was a decision that immediately came under intense scrutiny as Australia’s spearhead, Mitchell Starc, ripped through the top order, taking two wickets in his first two overs.

Starc’s Early Onslaught: A Pink-Ball Masterclass

Mitchell Starc, often a player who thrives under the lights and with the new Kookaburra, was in his element from the very first ball. His ability to swing the pink ball at genuine pace proved devastating. England opener Ben Duckett was Starc’s first victim, falling for a golden duck in the very first over. Starc, known for his wicket-taking prowess with the new ball, got one to shape away, inducing an outside edge that Marnus Labuschagne gratefully snaffled at first slip. It was a mirror image of his impact in the previous Test and a stark reminder of his potency against left-handers.

The nightmare continued for England when Ollie Pope, coming in at number three, also registered a duck. Starc, angling across the right-hander from a back of a length, found the inside edge as Pope attempted a punch through the off-side. The ball cannoned back onto the stumps, leaving England reeling at 23/2. This brace of wickets not only set Australia firmly on top but also marked a significant personal milestone for Starc, as he equalled Pakistan great Wasim Akram’s record of 414 Test wickets – the most by a left-arm pacer in the history of the format. To achieve this against arch-rivals England in an Ashes Test, with the pink ball, truly solidifies Starc’s place among the game’s elite.

The psychological damage of two early ducks, especially to key top-order batsmen, is immense. It immediately puts the batting side on the back foot, forcing a defensive mindset rather than the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach England has championed. Zak Crawley, at 17* from 18 balls, and Joe Root, 6* from 5 balls, now face the immense pressure of rebuilding an innings against a rampant Australian pace attack.

Australia’s Gabba Gamble: All Pace, No Spin

While Starc’s brilliance stole the early headlines, Australia’s team selection sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. In a truly ‘big surprise’, the hosts opted for an all-pace attack, dropping veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon from the playing XI. While the absence of captain Pat Cummins was noted (the original article states he ‘did not make it to Australia’s playing XI’), the decision to forgo a specialist spinner in a Test match, especially one of Lyon’s calibre, is a bold and arguably unprecedented move for Australia in recent times.

Instead of Lyon, all-rounder Michael Neser was brought into the side, effectively forming a four-pronged pace battery alongside Starc, Scott Boland (implied, as Neser replaced Lyon and Starc is there, usually Boland is third pacer, though not explicitly stated in the source content for full lineup, it’s a reasonable inference for a ‘pace attack’), and likely Josh Hazlewood or Pat Cummins (though Cummins is out, and Hazlewood’s presence isn’t explicitly stated). Neser, opening the bowling from the other end, proved economical in his initial spell. The move signals Australia’s clear intent to leverage the seaming and swinging conditions often associated with pink-ball Tests at The Gabba, banking on pace and movement rather than spin to extract wickets. This strategy carries inherent risks, particularly if conditions flatten out later in the match or if England’s middle order manages to consolidate.

Further strengthening the squad, Josh Inglis replaced the injured Usman Khawaja. While the specific nature of Khawaja’s injury isn’t detailed, Inglis’ inclusion suggests a reinforcement in the batting lineup, possibly as a specialist batsman, though he is also a wicketkeeper, adding depth to the squad.

England’s ‘Bazball’ Backlash?

England, having lost the first Test despite being ‘in the front foot for most of the first Test’, were desperate to bounce back and prove their ‘Bazball’ approach could withstand the unique challenges of Australian conditions. Their single change saw spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks replace pacer Mark Wood. This swap could be interpreted in multiple ways: a desire for more batting depth, an additional spin option (especially in Lyon’s absence for Australia), or perhaps a tactical rotation for Wood, who bowls at high pace.

However, the early dismissals of Duckett and Pope for ducks immediately put ‘Bazball’ under intense pressure. The philosophy champions aggressive, fearless cricket, but against Starc’s lethal accuracy and swing, it looked more like recklessness. The true test of ‘Bazball’ isn’t just about attacking intent, but about adapting and surviving in challenging situations. The current partnership between Crawley and Root will be critical in demonstrating their ability to absorb pressure and then counter-attack.

The Gabba Challenge: Pace and Bounce

The Gabba in Brisbane has long been Australia’s fortress, renowned for its pace, bounce, and the swing it offers, particularly with the new ball and under lights in pink-ball Tests. These conditions perfectly complement Australia’s all-pace strategy. The absence of a specialist spinner also highlights the Australian team management’s confidence in their pacers to do the heavy lifting throughout the match. However, the true test will come as the ball ages and if the pitch flattens, requiring sustained pressure without the variation a quality spinner provides.

What Lies Ahead for Day 1?

As the opening session concluded with England at 23/2, the momentum was firmly with Australia. Starc’s heroics have set the tone, and the bold selection gambit appears to be paying early dividends. For England, the task is now monumental. Joe Root, their most experienced and technically proficient batsman, holds the key. Supported by Zak Crawley, they must weather this storm, stabilise the innings, and build a platform from which the middle and lower order can launch a counter-attack.

The Ashes has a habit of producing drama, and this 2nd Test at The Gabba is already living up to that reputation. With Australia’s pace attack breathing fire and England’s ‘Bazball’ resolve put to the ultimate test, cricket fans around the world are braced for an exhilarating contest.

---

Disclaimer: Cricket Mantra aggregates breaking cricket news from multiple reputable sources, enriching them with in-depth analysis and expert commentary to provide comprehensive coverage for our readers.