Australia finally found their breakthrough at the Gabba as local favourite Michael Neser dismissed a well-set Zak Crawley to end England’s commanding 117-run partnership for the third wicket on Day 1 of the second Ashes Test. The dismissal came at a crucial moment, with Crawley looking in supreme touch on 76 off 93 balls, striking 11 boundaries in an innings that helped England recover from early trouble.
England had slumped to 5/2 after Mitchell Starc removed Ollie Pope cheaply, but Crawley and Joe Root steadied the innings with calm, controlled batting. Root, who remained unbeaten on 41 at the time of the wicket, played the anchor role while Crawley took on the bowlers, especially Doggett and Green, finding the gaps with ease.
Neser, bowling on his home ground with strong support from the Brisbane crowd, delivered the breakthrough Australia desperately needed. His fuller delivery outside off tempted Crawley into the drive, only for him to edge it through to Alex Carey. The Gabba erupted as Neser celebrated his first wicket of the match.
The partnership of 117 runs off 152 balls was England’s highest of the innings and marked only their second 100-plus stand for the first two wickets in Australia since 2013/14. With the dismissal coming just as England looked set to dominate the session, the momentum now swings slightly back towards Australia as they look to control the remainder of the afternoon.
Root continues at the crease, holding England’s hopes of a big first-innings total, while Australia will be eyeing more strikes in the final hour of the session.
