Ashes setback in Brisbane as McCullum snub fuels debate
Ashes setback in Brisbane as McCullum snub fuels debate
Australia chase 65 in 10 overs to seal an eight-wicket win in Brisbane, taking a 2-0 Ashes lead while England falters; Iceland Cricket adds a playful jab about McCullum.
Australia clinched an eight-wicket win in the day-night second Ashes Test in Brisbane, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. They chased 65 in 10 overs, with captain Steve Smith drilling a six off Gus Atkinson over square leg to seal the result, while Jake Weatherald helped steer the chase to a comfortable finish.
England's batting again came up short on the Gabba pitch, with Root and Crawley offering resistance in the first innings and Stokes and Will Jacks providing a late push in the second. Too many dismissals came from loose shots, and England's bowling lacked the control Australia showed, especially on a surface that did not require the full array of tricks. Australia’s attack looked sharp even without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Off the field, Iceland Cricket fired a tongue-in-cheek jibe at England head coach Brendon McCullum, joking that he was off their coaching wishlist after the defeat.
With the win, Australia extended its advantage as matches move to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, where the hosts will seek to seal the series. McCullum, meanwhile, argued England trained too much, a claim that has sparked debate about preparation and mentality ahead of the next tests.
Looking ahead, England must regroup quickly to avoid a chastening series result, while Australia can clinch the Ashes if they maintain their form in the remaining fixtures.
