Willow by Cricbuzz

Get ready for another fiery chapter of cricket's greatest rivalry as Australia and England clash in The Ashes 2025-26, 2nd Test, Day 1 — live from the iconic Gabba in Brisbane. The stage is set, the history is enormous, and the stakes couldn't be higher as the world tunes in for one of Test cricket's most anticipated battles. Australia enters the second Test with strong momentum and an unchanged squad from Perth. Steve Smith once again leads the side with Pat Cummins ruled out, while veterans Usman Khawaja and Nathan Lyon push through niggling injuries to stay in contention. Eyes will also be on Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett, both eager to add to their debut appearances and make a mark on home soil. And at his fortress of choice, Marnus Labuschagne returns to the Gabba where he averages a formidable 51 and thrives under day-night conditions. England, led by Ben Stokes, arrives in Brisbane under pressure but with belief. While speedster Mark Wood is in doubt with a knee concern, the visitors have named a powerful squad featuring Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and the returning express paceman Jofra Archer. England's top order struggled in Perth, but they'll take confidence from past success at The Gabba in the shorter formats — and from Duckett's impressive BBL history at the venue. Probable XIs suggest a mouth-watering contest: Australia: Khawaja, Weatherald, Labuschagne, Smith (c), Head, Green, Carey (wk), Starc, Lyon, Boland, Doggett England: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes (c), J. Smith (wk), Jacks, Atkinson, Carse, Archer Historically, The Gabba has been a fortress for Australia — but recent cracks have appeared. The hosts have won just two of their past five Brisbane Tests, including a dramatic loss to India in 2021 that ended their famed 31-match unbeaten streak. England's record here is tough reading: only four wins in 22 Tests, none since 1986. But their legendary 517-run declaration in 2010-11 remains one of The Gabba's greatest batting feats. Both teams bring contrasting form: Australia: WWWWLWWWWD – eight wins from their last 10 Tests England: LLDWLWWLWW – competitive, but searching for consistency Players to Watch: Marnus Labuschagne – a Gabba specialist and day-night maestro. Ben Duckett – dangerous at the top and already proven on this ground in the BBL. With the Ashes level on intensity and overflowing with history, Day 1 at The Gabba promises fast bowling fireworks, high-pressure batting, and a crowd ready to roar. Who will seize control of the second Test? The battle for the urn continues — don't miss a moment of The Ashes 2025-26, Australia vs England, 2nd Test, Day 1.