How did Neser secure five wickets as Australia triumphed over England by 8 wickets in the Gabba Test?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Michael Neser achieved his maiden five-wicket haul.
- Australia leads the Ashes series 2-0.
- England's lower order collapsed dramatically.
- Steve Smith played a crucial role in the chase.
- The next Test is set for December 17 in Adelaide.
Brisbane, Dec 7 (NationPress) With an impressive performance by Michael Neser, who achieved his first five-wicket haul, Australia solidified their dominance in the Ashes series by clinching an eight-wicket win against England in the second Test at the Gabba on Sunday.
During the fourth day, England showed some resistance with a noteworthy 96-run partnership between captain Ben Stokes, who scored a half-century, and Will Jacks, who contributed 41 runs. Nevertheless, England's lower order crumbled after Neser, who was selected ahead of Nathan Lyon, delivered crucial strikes, finishing with figures of 5-41 and leaving Australia a modest target of just 65 runs for victory.
Australia’s chase was swift, featuring Steve Smith’s quickfire 23 runs off just nine balls, which extinguished any lingering hopes of an England comeback. This victory marks a significant 2-0 lead for the hosts in the five-match series, with the next Test scheduled to commence in Adelaide on December 17, followed by matches in Melbourne and Sydney.
Starting from a position of 143/6, England exhibited determination through a resilient seventh-wicket partnership led by Stokes and Jacks. However, their dismissals in consecutive overs — with Smith executing a spectacular catch to dismiss Jacks and Alex Carey skillfully stumping Stokes — triggered a severe collapse.
With no further resistance from the remaining batsmen, England lost their last four wickets for a mere 17 runs and were all out for 241. Neser, playing in a Test match after almost three years, was the standout performer for Australia, achieving his best figures at his home ground.
Travis Head and Jake Weatherald provided Australia with a brisk start, adding 37 runs for the opening wicket, before Gus Atkinson struck post-dinner to dismiss Head. The England bowler quickly followed up by removing Marnus Labuschagne in the next over, but Smith ensured a smooth finish, sealing the chase with a stunning six over backward square leg.
Brief Scores: England 334 and 241 (Ben Stokes 50, Zak Crawley 44; Michael Neser 5-42, Scott Boland 2-47) lost to Australia 511 and 69/2 (Steve Smith 23 not out; Gus Atkinson 2-37) by eight wickets.