Ashes 2025-26 [WATCH]: Jofra Archer’s brutal toe-crushing yorker sends Jake Weatherald packing on Day 2 of the Pink-Ball Test

Australia and England clashed fiercely in the second Ashes Test at Brisbane’s Gabba on December 4, 2025, with the pink-ball day-night format amplifying the drama under the floodlights. England, trailing 1-0 after the Perth opener, posted 334 in their first innings, anchored by Joe Root‘s unbeaten 138—his maiden Test century in Australia and 40th overall—following a collapse to 5/2 early on. Australia responded assertively on Day 2 Session 2, trailing by 124 runs, setting up a tense battle in the iconic series.​

Jofra Archer’s toe-crusher dismantles Jake Weatherald on Day 2

Jofra Archer ignited Day 2 excitement with a lethal yorker that crushed Jake Weatherald‘s toe and ended his gritty 72 off 78 balls (12×4, 1×6, SR 92.30) at 25.5 overs, leaving Australia 146/2. The full, inswinging delivery struck plumb LBW on middle stump, prompting Weatherald to walk off despite Marnus Labuschagne’s review suggestion—ball-tracking confirmed it clipping the center of middle. Archer’s 7.5-2-19-1 spell showcased his pink-ball menace, breaking a threatening second-wicket stand after Travis Head fell for 33 to Brydon Carse at 77/1.​

This breakthrough capped Archer’s post-tea resurgence, following England’s improved lines after a sloppy pre-interval display. Weatherald’s fifty—his maiden in Tests—had propelled Australia past 100 in 17.2 overs and 150 in 27.2, blending boundaries with sharp running alongside Marnus Labuschagne. Archer’s precision under lights offered England vital momentum, curbing Australia’s charge on a Gabba pitch aiding pace.

Here’s the video:

Jofra Archer 🔥

— Aatish Kapoor the oscar winner (@AkashThapa2505)

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Here’s why Grace Hayden thanked Joe Root for his hundred in Gabba Test

Australia’s commanding reply builds pressure over England

Australia’s innings surged from the outset, hitting 50 in 9.6 overs via Head (33 off 43, 3×4, 1×6) and Weatherald’s 73-run opening stand before drinks at 57/0. Post-lunch at 130/1, Labuschagne and Steven Smith steadied with a partnership. The hosts’ fluency, despite wickets, positioned them to erase the deficit aggressively.​

England’s bowlers toiled in heat-turned-twilight conditions, with Root’s marathon knock earlier—including a record 70-run 10th-wicket stand with Archer (38 off 36, 2×4, 2×6)—rescuing from Mitchell Starc‘s 6-75 haul. Australia, unbeaten at Gabba since 1988, eyed a series-leveling push, while England’s fightback hinged on late Day 2 strikes. Momentum teetered, promising classic Ashes intrigue.​

Also WATCH: Marnus Labuschagne plucks a screamer to dismiss Jofra Archer on Day 2 of Gabba Test