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Australia produced a ruthless performance at The Gabba, storming to a 8-wicket win over England on Day 4 of the second Ashes Test and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2025-26 series. Despite a spirited English resistance in their second innings, the modest fourth-innings chase was never going to trouble the hosts, who wrapped up the match with ease. The victory not only showcased Australia’s depth and discipline but also highlighted the brilliance of Mitchell Starc, whose all-round display turned the contest decisively in favour of the home side.
Mitchell Starc steals the spotlight with a phenomenal all-round display
Starc was the heartbeat of Australia’s triumph, delivering one of the finest Test performances of his decorated career. His influence stretched across both innings, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
After England posted 334 in their first innings, Australia mounted a powerful reply, piling up a formidable 511. While Australia’s top and middle order chipped in with consistent contributions, it was Starc who stole the show with the bat. Walking in during a critical phase, he launched a counterattacking assault that stunned the visitors. His knock of 77 was the highest individual score of the innings, an innings decorated with crisp stroke-making and fearless intent.
Starc’s innings complemented a string of half-centuries from the Australian lineup, featuring Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), Alex Carey (63), and Steve Smith (61). Their collective effort gave Australia a commanding 177-run lead—one that would eventually prove decisive.
Starc’s bowling masterclass breaks England’s resistance
If Starc’s batting surprised England, his bowling dismantled them. In the first innings, the left-arm pacer unleashed a fiery spell, swinging and seaming the ball dangerously to register figures of 6/75. He repeatedly broke partnerships at crucial moments, ensuring England never built sustained momentum.
Starc continued his dominance in the second innings as well, picking up 2/64 and delivering hostile bursts that rattled England’s middle order. His ability to strike early and return later with equal venom showcased his unmatched skill and fitness, reinforcing why he remains one of the most feared pacers in Test cricket.
Australia’s comfortable chase seals the game
Facing a massive deficit, England showed glimpses of resilience in their second innings. They battled their way to 241, thanks to several gritty contributions, but the total was far from enough to challenge Australia. Despite their improved application, the visitors were always under pressure, and Australia’s disciplined attack ensured wickets arrived at regular intervals.
Set just 65 runs to win, Australia’s openers wasted no time asserting control. They cruised to 33/0 by the dinner break and returned to polish off the remaining runs. Though the Aussies lost Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne in the process but eventually registered a dominating victory by 8 wickets with captain Steve Smith finishing the game by smashing a six.
Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26 – Will Jacks takes a screamer to send Steve Smith back on Day 2 of the Pink-Ball Test
Here’s how fans reacted:
Australia take a 2-0 lead in the series.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket)
– can bowl
– can bat
– can field
– can perform on big stagesWhat a legend of the game .
Mitchell Starc The GOAT 🐐.— Rafi (@rafi4999)
mitchell starc winning the test cricketer of the year will be poetic justice. always chose his country over money, retired from t20is to focus on tests. man is grinding so much even in the last phase of his career 🩷
— И (@lbdablu)
Archer & Smith 👀
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Can bat like Don Bradman
Can bowl like Sir Curtly Ambrose
Can field like Jonty Rhodes
Can clutch like Hardik Pandya
Humble like Rahul Dravid
Aura like Virat KohliThat’s Sir Mitchell Starc for you 🐐
— 𝚅𝚊𝚛𝚞𝚗¹⁸ (@varunx18)
Just take every award you have and give it to Mitchell Starc already. He's finished this series in 6 days when Australia were supposed to be at their weakest. England are like a wet tissue paper. So weak and frail. Even the West Indies competed better in Australia. Pakistan was…
— Nikhil Mehra (@TweetinderKaul)
Nathan Lyon watching his replacement Neser getting a fifer along with making important runs and partnership with Mitchell Starc
— The last dance (@26lastdance)
One of my favourite things about the Ashes is the commentary footage… but my first has to be Mitchell Starc!! Bat and ball… he is amazing
— Alex Bailey (@abails86)
Australia should have had Mitchell Starc come out and open this run chase on his own. 💪😂
— Marcus Ryan (@itsmarcusryan)
Australia's battling lineup.. put Mitchell Starc on the number 1.
— Noel Bibito (@bibito86823)
Magnificent cricketer of Australia
Mitchell Starc 🇭🇲— Ahad Hasan (@iahad_27)
England, it is not in your power to win a Test series in Australia. You should go to Zimbabwe, Netherlands, Pakistan, West Indies and show your strength there.
— The Story Vault (@RealtyCheck09)
HahahaEngland are still shite.
— Mark Simpson (@iMARKSIMPSON)
This Ashes is getting over sooner than expected. Bazball hype getting busted.
On ground no real preparation just a facade. These English cricketers are the most overrated cricketers you will find.
— Jim Moriarty (@moriartyjim100)
Did the English come to these shores saying they were facing the weakest Aussie side in 15 years?
— Break a leg (@JeSeGrey)
Can't bat
Can't bowl
Can't catch
Can't use their brains
Won't changeSums up England Cricket
— Jules (@julescamoore)
Australia go 2-0 up in the Ashes as England suffer another humiliating loss.
— Faraz Hashmi (@faraz_h24)
Bloody love Steve Smith
— Kath (@Kathblue)
Australia 🇦🇺 should cancel the rest of the Ashes and invite Virat Kohli & co for a make shift 15-match ODI series instead.
— Broken Cricket Dreams Cricket Blog (@cricket_broken)
MOOD.
2-0.
Up the Aussies.
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog)
England absolutely humiliated🔥
2-0 down after two 8-wicket spankings — Bazball’s dead, Smith owning as stand-in skipper
— PeakyFookingBlinders🪽 (@FookingPeaky)
Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Here’s the reason behind Steve Smith wearing black tape in the Gabba Test vs England
