Ashes 2025/26: Neser’s Brilliant Five-For Crushes England’s Late Fightback as Australia Seal 2-0 Series Lead

Australia wrapped up the day night Test in confident fashion, beating England by eight wickets to move 2–0 ahead in the Ashes 2025/26. They needed only 65 to win and reached 69 for 2, ending a one sided match in Brisbane.

Australia had built control earlier with a huge first innings score of 511. Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne all chipped in to stretch England. The visitors replied with 334, with Joe Root and Zak Crawley doing most of the work.

England showed some fight in their second innings of 241. Ben Stokes played a patient 50 off 152 balls and joined Will Jacks in a gritty 96 run stand for the seventh wicket. For a short while, they slowed Australia and gave England a small chance to drag the match deeper.

Michael Neser ended that hope with a superb spell. Picked ahead of Nathan Lyon, he took 5 for 42 and broke the stand. England then lost their last four wickets for 17, handing Australia a tiny target.

Australia backed Neser’s work with sharp fielding. Steven Smith pulled off a low one handed catch to remove Jacks. Alex Carey grabbed a smart take to dismiss Stokes. Every half chance seemed to stick, adding pressure on England.

In the chase, Travis Head attacked straight away before falling. Smith then steered the finish with a rapid 23 not out off 9 balls. He hooked Jofra Archer for six, then struck another big hit over square leg to end the match.

The defeat leaves England’s Ashes hopes hanging. Their aggressive style again drew criticism for switching off in key moments. Stokes and Jacks showed the resilience England needed earlier, but the damage had already been done.

Australia now have five wins from five in the new World Test Championship cycle. They also look tactically sharper in pink ball conditions, while England slip further down the table after another heavy loss.