As the second Test of the Ashes 2025-26 begins at the Gabba, England walk into one of the toughest venues in world cricket — a ground that has historically dictated the fate of every Ashes series for nearly seven decades. With Ben Stokes opting to bat first, the importance of breaking their Gabba curse has never been greater.
A nightmare venue for England
England’s record at the Gabba over the last 70 years is stark:
Matches: 17
Won: 2
Lost: 10
Drawn: 5
Their last victory here came all the way back in 1986/87, under Mike Gatting. Since then, the venue has been a fortress for Australia, and a graveyard for England’s Ashes ambitions.
History shows: Lose the Gabba, lose the Ashes
There is a brutal statistical truth England cannot ignore:
📌 In the last 70 years, every time England have lost at the Gabba, they have gone on to lose the Ashes.
The ground has consistently set the tone for the rest of the series. A defeat in Brisbane has almost always snowballed into a failed campaign.
Why this Test matters even more
England enter this Test after a disappointing first match in Perth. Stokes admitted this is a “massive week” for his captaincy group, knowing momentum can shift dramatically if they start well at the Gabba — especially in a pink-ball Test, where late-evening conditions can tilt the balance quickly.
Stokes on batting first:
“You give yourself the best chance when you bat. We have an opportunity to put runs on the board first up.”
Australia’s challenges — but home dominance remains
Australia are without Pat Cummins, with Steven Smith confirming he was “close” but not risked. Michael Neser replaces Nathan Lyon, while Travis Head moves up to open.
Smith on the pink ball:
“With the pink ball, it’s going to offer quite a bit, particularly later under lights… No daylight savings here and you play in the night a lot.”
Even with some reshuffling, Australia’s Gabba dominance remains intimidating.
England’s Playing XI
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
The simple equation
If England win at the Gabba, they break:
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A 38-year winless streak at the venue
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The historical pattern of losing the Ashes after losing in Brisbane
If they lose, history suggests the Ashes could slip away again.
As the Test begins under challenging pink-ball conditions, England know that this match could ultimately define their entire Ashes campaign.
