England Battle Back in Brisbane as Stokes, Jacks Forge Slow Day Four Stand
England Battle Back in Brisbane as Stokes, Jacks Forge Slow Day Four Stand
England steadies in Brisbane with a stubborn 65-run seventh-wicket stand between Stokes and Jacks to build a slim lead on day four of the second Ashes Test.
England looked to turn the tide on day four in Brisbane, starting the session 134-6 and 43 behind Australia. A determined rearguard action began with captain Ben Stokes and number eight Will Jacks forming an unbroken partnership of 65. Stokes carried his form from the morning into a more watchful innings, reaching 36 from 112 balls at the break, while Jacks progressed to 25 off 66 as the two added steady runs. By lunch, England had climbed to 193-6, giving them a lead of 16 as they refused to crumble.
This seventh-wicket stand was England’s longest partnership of the series so far, and in the face of a previous collapse, the approach was a notable shift. The scoring rate hovered around 2.45 runs per over, reflecting intent to bat time and wear down Australia’s bowlers rather than chase quick runs. The contrast with the earlier day’s capitulation underscored a tactical change: England prioritizing defense and stamina over rapid rescue roles.
Australia, having struggled to penetrate the stubborn resistance of the lower order, leaned on a mixture of frontline bowlers and two part-timers— Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne—before lunch in an effort to break the stand. A second new pink ball would also come into play in the second session, with floodlights likely to be in full effect as the day-night phase begins.
Former captains and pundits weighed in from the sidelines. The mood around the ground reflected cautious optimism: the new approach from England was welcomed as a sign of adaptability, and Stokes’s leadership during the session drew particular praise for extracting patience and resolve under pressure. While still trailing overall, England’s ability to defy Australia’s attack and extend a key partnership offered a glimmer of belief for the rest of the Test.
If this disciplined rebuild continues, the visiting side could set up a more competitive run chase or at least push Australia into a defensive mindset as the pink-ball phase gets underway. The day’s momentum hinges on whether Stokes and Jacks can translate this partnership into meaningful runs and whether the bowlers can apply pressure when the ball is new again.
Cover image source: England openers survive to dinner, trim Australia’s lead to 132 runs in 2nd Ashes Test 🔗
