AUS vs ENG 2nd Test Match Preview: Team Analysis, Pitch Report, Playing XI & Prediction | The Ashes 2025

AUS vs ENG 2nd Test 2025 Match Preview: The Ashes 2025-26 continues as Australia takes on England in the 2nd Test at The Gabba, Brisbane, starting Thursday, December 05, 2025.

After a dramatic two-day finish in Perth—Ashes cricket’s shortest Test in over a century—Australia lead the series 1-0. Mitchell Starc’s magnificent 7-for and Travis Head’s counter-attacking 21 helped the hosts clinch a stunning eight-wicket win despite being bowled out for just 132 in their first innings.

England, meanwhile, collapsed twice with the bat despite being 100 runs ahead with nine wickets in hand. Bazball was entertaining, but their decision-making under pressure cost them dearly.

Both teams enter Brisbane with injuries, but Australia’s pink-ball record at The Gabba makes them favourites once again.

In this article, we take a look at the AUS vs ENG Match Preview, Pitch Report, Prediction, and Stats.

Match Details – AUS vs ENG 2nd Test

AUS vs ENG Team Preview & Analysis

Australia

Australia pulled off a remarkable victory in Perth despite missing Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood—both ruled out of this Test as well.

Travis Head, the hero of Perth, is expected to open the batting with Khawaja out. Josh Inglis should slot into the middle order. Mitchell Starc will lead the attack again after a sensational 7-wicket performance.

Their pink-ball record is one of the strongest in the world, and The Gabba’s bounce suits their style perfectly.

Key Players to Watch

• Mitchell Starc – 7 wickets in Perth, lethal with the pink ball

• Steve Smith (c) – Anchorman in home conditions

• Travis Head – Counter-attacking opener at The Gabba

• Nathan Lyon – Major threat in long spells

Australia Predicted Playing XI

Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett

England

England announced their XI early, as per Bazball tradition, with one change—injured Mark Wood replaced by all-rounder Will Jacks. This strengthens the batting but weakens their express pace.

England’s top order needs a major improvement after collapsing twice in Perth. Harry Brook’s 52 was the only half-century in the first three innings of the series.

The pink ball will test their technique, and they must find a way to blunt Starc’s early swing.

Key Players to Watch

• Harry Brook – Looked composed with 52 in Perth

• Joe Root – Still searching for his first Ashes ton in Australia

• Jofra Archer – Outstanding 2/11 in Perth

• Ben Stokes (c) – Five-wicket haul in 1st Test, key with bat & ball

England Predicted Playing XI

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer

AUS vs ENG Pitch Report – The Gabba, Brisbane

The Gabba is known for pace, bounce, and carry—perfect for fast bowlers.
Compared to Perth, the pitch will be slightly slower but still challenging.

Pitch Characteristics

• Fast bowlers: Good bounce and seam early

• Spinners: Effective late on Days 3–5

• Batting: Tough early, improves with time

• Par score: 350 in the first innings

Toss Decision: BAT FIRST

Pink ball behaves differently, but history suggests batting first at The Gabba is the safer choice.

Weather Forecast – Brisbane, Dec 05–09

Clear skies for the first three days, rain expected late in the match.

Temperatures: 20°C – 28°C
Rain probability: Low early, higher on Days 4–5

Ideal conditions for a competitive day-night Test.

AUS vs ENG 2nd Test Win Prediction

England had ten days to rethink their approach, but Australia’s attack, pink-ball form, and home advantage make them heavy favourites.

Winning Chances

Prediction: Australia to win the 2nd Test.