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| Image Source: News 18 |
The 2025–26 battle for the urn has exploded into a ruthless contest, and as Day Three of the Second Test between England vs Australia drew to a close at the Gabba in Brisbane, the hosts stood on the verge of a commanding 2-0 series lead.
The floodlights, often seen as a boon for the batters, turned treacherous under the expert handling of the Australian pace attack, orchestrating a familiar England stumble that left them fighting for survival.
The Australia vs England Ashes 2025 series, hosted Down Under, was already reeling from an unexpected two-day finish in the First Test at Perth. Now, with Australia capitalizing heavily on crucial mistakes and exceptional individual performances, the pressure mounts on Ben Stokes’ men. The live cricket score England vs Australia reads perilously for the visitors: England trail by 43 runs with only four wickets remaining.
Day Three Collapse: Australia Seizes Control at the Gabba
The day began with Australia resuming their first innings at 378/6, holding a modest lead. However, hopes of a swift wrap-up for the English bowlers were dashed by the unlikely heroics of Mitchell Starc. The veteran pacer put on a masterful display, frustrating the English attack with a punishing knock of 77. This innings, combined with Scott Boland’s stubborn resistance, swelled Australia’s total to an imposing 511, securing a massive 177-run first-innings advantage.
This prolonged batting effort by the lower order, especially under the punishing afternoon sun, proved to be a psychological turning point. When the England vs Australia live match transitioned into the evening session, the conditions favoured swing and seam movement with the pink Kookaburra ball.
England’s second innings began brightly, with the openers finding the boundary early, but the inevitable tension of the night session soon delivered a crushing blow. As the Sky Sports report indicated, the top order subsided under lights. Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc struck crucial blows, quickly dismantling the top four, including opener Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, who fell attempting an aggressive stroke. First-innings centurion Joe Root, the linchpin of the middle order, also succumbed to Starc’s precision, ending any realistic hope of stability. At the close of play, England were reduced to 134/6, staring down the barrel of another crushing defeat.
Key Moments and Missed Opportunities: The Impact of Drop Catches
While Mitchell Starc’s batting was the headline, the subtle difference between the two sides lay in fielding precision and bowling consistency. The pivotal phase of Australia’s first innings extension—led by Starc—was made easier by missed chances. Fans tracking the live match commentary and updates discussed the impact of drop catches in today match, a lamentable pattern that seems to follow the touring side in critical phases.
Allowing Starc’s partnership with Boland to consume valuable time and runs was arguably the turning point. In Test cricket, especially against the might of the Australia England Ashes 2025 rivals, such lapses in concentration—particularly fielding errors—are amplified, transforming a manageable deficit into an insurmountable mountain.
Despite the collective struggle, England had celebrated a massive positive on Day Two: Joe Root's maiden Test century in Australia (138* in the first innings). This historic effort showcased his world-class quality and his determination to fight for the team. However, his dismissal on Day Three evening proved the most significant wicket, extinguishing the last flicker of English resistance.
Looking Ahead: The Ashes 2025 Series Context
The context of the The Ashes 2025 is becoming increasingly dire for England. If Australia seals the victory in Brisbane, they will lead the series 2-0, requiring England to win three consecutive Tests—a feat that is exceptionally rare in the history of the fierce ENG vs AUS rivalry.
The series is part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship, adding an extra layer of competitive weight to every result. After the conclusion of the Day/Night Test at the Gabba, the focus quickly shifts to the remaining calendar:
| Match | Date | Venue |
| 3rd Test | Dec 17–21, 2025 | Adelaide Oval (D/N) |
| 4th Test | Dec 26–30, 2025 | MCG, Melbourne (Boxing Day Test) |
| 5th Test | Jan 4–8, 2026 | SCG, Sydney (New Year's Test) |
The pressure on England's "Bazball" strategy—known for its aggressive intent—is now immense. The team must find a way to adapt their attacking style to the challenging Australian pitches and pink-ball dynamics, especially under the high-stakes environment of a major series loss threat.
Where to Watch the Ashes 2025: Broadcast and Live Streaming Guide
For dedicated followers around the globe searching "where to watch the ashes 2025," official broadcast partners provide comprehensive coverage of the England versus Australia Ashes series, ensuring fans don't miss a ball of the action:
- In Australia (AUS vs ENG): The series is broadcast live on Channel Seven (free-to-air coverage) and via subscription services Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports.
- In the United Kingdom (ENG vs AUS): UK viewers can catch the action on TNT Sports, which holds the exclusive rights for television coverage.
- In India and Subcontinent: Coverage is available through JioStar (formerly Disney Star) and its streaming platform, Sony LIV.
- In the USA and Canada: The matches are typically shown on Willow TV.
While many fans search for "England vs Australia ashes free live streaming," official, high-quality coverage for the full Test match often requires a paid subscription to services like Kayo or TNT Sports. However, Australian free-to-air coverage via Channel Seven provides ample access, and audio commentary remains freely available globally via ABC Radio Sport streaming channels. Always rely on official broadcasters and platforms for the best viewing experience.
The Final Day Awaits
With the pitch offering assistance and the Australian bowlers fresh, the odds of England pulling off a miracle on Day Four are slim. Captain Ben Stokes and the tailenders face the unenviable task of wiping out the remaining deficit and setting a challenging target, a near-impossible feat given the momentum held by Steve Smith’s Australian side.
The Ashes 2025 has already proven to be a series of extremes—brutal batting collapses, sensational individual hundreds, and pace bowling masterclasses. As the cricketing world tunes in for the final chapters of the Second Test, the questions linger: Can England show enough fight to hold off the inevitable, or will Australia cruise to a 2-0 lead, paving the way for a potential series whitewash? The intensity of the Australia England Ashes 2025 rivalry remains undiminished, promising more unforgettable moments, regardless of the ultimate result.
