The Ashes 2nd Test LIVE: Australia vs England, free streams, Day 2 updates from The Gabba

Welcome to the 2nd Ashes Test! Can England hit back?

Welcome to our live coverage of the Ashes 2nd Test between Australia and England.

Blink and the first Test was over, so we will be hoping for a bit more cricket this time around as England look to hit back against Australia. A magical knock from Travis Head took the game away from the Poms in Perth, with their batting frailties in Australia once again on show.

Ben Stokes will be hoping that the two weeks away have given his side time to refresh as they look to win a first Test in Oz since 2011.

Welcome to Brisbane!

Coverage of Test 2 is now live directly from Brisbane’s Gabba Stadium!

Thanks for joining us for the second chapter of this epic annual saga between Australia and England.

While it may have been a humiliating defeat for the English side, will they have learnt from their mistakes or will Australia dominate on their home turf?

Keep tuned to find out…

What is the ‘Gabbatoir’?

You’ll hear people talk about the Gabba, that’s the gladiatorial stadium located in Brisbane where England and Australia will fight to the (metaphorical) death in Test 2.

On top of that you’ll hear people refer to it as ‘the Gabbatoir’, an amalgamation of the words ‘Gabba’ and ‘abattoir’. This is because the England team have not won in Brisbane since 1986.

Yep, they’re really implying it will be a slaughterhouse for the visiting team!

England win the toss!

England have won the toss and elect to bat first!

We know how well that went for them last time but let’s see if this gamble pays off in Brisbane.

A historical crushing defeat

Although it’s been well documented it’s worth reiterating that the bloodbath at Perth was the first time in 104 years that an Ashes Test lasted only two days.

That’s not the kind of century record you want.

The pre-match ceremony begins

Australia’s important Welcome to Country followed by the national anthems take place.

The fans have filled the stadium, the first ball imminent.

Who will have the upper hand?

The first ball…is out

Wonder kid (or man, given his older age among the team) Starc bowls to Crawley…and the ball is out.

Not the best start for Australia but very early days.

0-0.

The first wicket!

Starc has done it again!

Within five minutes he has already claimed his first wicket and Duckett is out. Doesn’t bode well for England but a sign of Starc in his element.

1-5.

Starc strikes a second!

Under 15 minutes and Starc had already solidified a second.

This could be a bloodbath.

2-5.

Brutal media coverage for England

While as discussed England had a shocking opening Test, the media has been relentless in reminding us all this.

Mitchell Johnson, former Aussie bowler, dubbed England ‘arrogant’ which led the front pages in a lot of Australian publications.

That’s not even touching on the English media, who famously love to turn on their own as quickly as they love to build them up. ‘Baz balls up’, ‘I can’t take stupid England seriously’, ‘Outfought, outthought, outclassed’.

Brutal.

English nerves are settled

Despite losing two wickets in quick succession, England’s nerves seem to be settled.

They’ve found their rhythm with batters Crawley and Root. Will this see a level of consistency?

2-31.

A close call for a third wicket

It looked like that could have been a third wicket for the Aussies and they certainly thought so.

Anyway, no dice.

2-59.

What’s the latest?

Starc is on fire and England are looking nervous. All in all, same again so far this test.

England seem to have found a winning team in Crawley and Root who have been a safe pair of hands so far.

But the day is young and the night beckons.

2-64.

How can I watch the action?

A reminder for those joining that Aussie residents can watch all the Ashes action on 7Plus.

For those watching outside of Straya, you can use NordVPN to unlock the showdown between Australia vs England!

But make sure you keep tuned here too, that’s also important.

Crawley reaches 50

Half way to a century for batter Crawley.

It certainly looks like England has control of the game now, slowing down the pace and not taking any wild chances.

Will this last?

2-87.

England close to 100 as we enter tea break

All to play for at break time.

Australia certainly looked strong early doors but England are getting their confidence back.

But who will come out on top?

Tea break pep talk?

You can only imagine what the pep talks are like at the first break as both teams see victory in sight.

It’s early days yet for test two, but England must be happy they haven’t conceded any more wickets in a stadium haunted by the ghosts of previous losses.

As we head into the next half what will await both teams?

England score 100 (finally)

Back from the break and revitalised, England secure 100 with just two wickets to show for it.

2-103.

Root-ing for England

A close call for Root!

The ball comes off the end of his bat and within reaching distance of a batter’s hand.

A lucky escape however.

Third time’s the charm!

A third wicket for Australia!

Crawley is out after a good run - and the English batting dream team is over.

It’s a great wicket and may give Australia some wind in their sails after England have been on top for so long.

3-122.

VAR says no!

Another close call for England!

It looked like there may be trouble ahead but after a close VAR call from the umpire, England can breathe a sigh of relief.

3-140.

3-150.

It’s worth just acknowledging that this is a very strong start for England’s second test.

Particularly when you consider they’re playing in the Gabbatoir.

An average of 50 runs per wicket is strong stuff and if they keep it up that would see them to 500. Wishful thinking maybe.

3-150.

What is the pink ball?

For the uninitiated, pink balls are used for day-night Tests to provide visibility as the daylight fades into night.

Why should this worry England? Well, Australia have only lost one day-night with this pink ball at the Gabba in January 2024. This was from the West Indies though, not England.

Another reason to worry: Mitchell Starc is considered the king of the pink ball. On stunning form in Perth, he may be looking to outdo himself in the Gabbatoir...

Australia smelt victory…but false alarm

The Aussies were close, but not close enough!

Centimetres up and they’d have claimed another wicket but a very good umpire call shattered that dream, even after a tense review.

Back to the drawing board, lads.

3-174.

A fourth wicket!

Brook went broke!

After a close call, Australia was given a glimmer of hope and they pounced on it. Our goes Brook as the ball bounces off his bat and straight into the hands of Smith waiting behind him.

England beware, Australia have woken up.

4-176.

England approach 200 runs

4-193.

Just saying I called a wicket per 50 runs. Leaving that out there.

Time for dinner and dishing out some inspiration

As we break for dinner, there will be some hard questions in the Australia locker room.

Mainly, why has it taken so long to get England’s wickets?

Will a bite of dinner and some morale boosting turn things around for Aus?

Night approaches, as does Starc

There’s certainly been a lot of hype about Starc’s ability with the pink ball under the floodlights…can he live up to it though?

The celebrated bowler - and elder statesman - of the Aussie team played a blinder in Perth but now it’s his time to shine again.

Both sides wait with baited breath to see if he can deliver the goods.

Stay with us as we resume after dinner.

200!

England celebrate passing 200 runs with a lovely four!

Starc looks like he may perform another miracle as he reaches for the rebound but it's too far away even for his nimbleness.

4-200.

England rooting for Root

With nearly 75 runs to his name, Root has been England's strongest batter on day one.

He had a close call with a potential LBW but the review determined no foul play.

Will Australia be able to call on Starc to summon his powers of the night and get him out?

Keep tuned into 7Plus - or you can use NordVPN outside of Australia - to not miss a second of the action.

Fifth wicket taken!

Out goes Stokes!

He tries to run for a single and had to backtrack.

And a sixth!

Give me a chance to finish writing about the fifth wicket before you take the sixth, please Australia!

Smith is out before he even gets a single run. Well done, Australia.

The night has made them see clearer.

Recap: two wickets in four balls!

Just to get you up to date as we get a moment to breathe: Scott Boland plays an absolute blinder as he secures two wickets in four balls!

First Ben Stokes horrible misjudges a run - first time that's happened this Ashes - and watches in horror as the ball smashes into his wickets before he can do anything about it.

And no sooner has his replacement Jamie Smith stepped up, he finds himself bowled for a two-ball duck.

An eventful few minutes for Australia. They smell blood.

6-125.

Root just 12 away from a century

Root is on the verge of a century and boy does he looks dangerous.

You can see the Aussie team racking their brains trying to figure out his weakness but he's been solid as a rock during his hours defending those wickets.

Could he join Head in the century club this Ashes?

Drink break to refresh strategy

A flurry from Australia has failed to inspire any more moments of inspiration.

England have done well to keep the Aussies at bay with very careful play.

Definitely not as much pizazz as Head scoring a century in an insane amount of time with a swagger, but in his cool collected way Root is appraoching similar territory.

6-240.

Lucky seven for Starc!

Will Jacks is out! Not quite reaching 20 runs, he was very much the support act to Root but he didn't quite see him to 100.

Starc is having a great time out there having just got him out. With four wickets under his belt, will the famed night bowler claim England's final three?

7-251.

A Centurion arises!

To the sounds of cheers from the Barmy Army - and quite a lot of boos from the Aussies - Root has achieved over 100 runs!

On 102 runs he is visibly over the moon at reaching a milestone - a first time achieving a century down under.

It's 50/50 who can end this first day called the better team. Both have had their moments.

7-260.

8!

Australia's Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne nearly took each other out in the process but Carey got a glove on Atkinson's ball.

There was a question mark above it as the umpires reviewed it but it was ultimately deemed out.

Starc claims his fifth wicket this series, and is looking for his final two from England.

8-264.

...And a ninth!

Starc and Carey: the dream team.

These Aussies like to do things in twos. Starc bowls and Carey catches again.

Carse says hello and then says goodbye within the same breath, to paraphrase a Beatles song.

9-264.

Root: the MVP

Despite two quick wickets from Australia, don't let that wipe the achievement of Joe Root from your mind.

Let us not forget he was essentially written off as a joke in the Australian media in the run up to this year's Ashes, in no small part for never achieving a century down under, but now he is victorious.

The media will surely turn on their heels and give you your flowers, Joe Root.

9-126.

Archer and Root score lovely fours!

A four from Archer brings England closer to 300, an impressive tally for day one.

Not to be outdone, Root joins him with another four minutes afterwards.

9-292.

4 + 4 + 6 + 4

Archer and Root have being nothing if not consistent.

Fours and sixes all round for the last few balls, these two are the dream team that have run circles around the Aussies these last 10 minutes.

9-304.

Looking for chinks in their armour

Archer and Root have managed to hit wherever the fielders are not.

Sounds simple, but through this trick they've managed to rack up an impressive amount of runs.

At this rate England will finish today batting and start tomorrow in the same position...unless Australia have something up their sleeve.

Play finished for day one!

England end on a high, Australia on a sigh.

Maybe it was England receiving a stern talking to after Perth or Australia resting on their laurels, but whatever the case England are walking away feeling triumphant.

There were some flurries of genius from Australia - one wicket often accompanied in quick succession by another - but not enough to take England off the green.

325-9.

Photo of the day: the catch

This will be the image burnt into everyone's retinas today.

Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne. Eyes both in the sky and not looking at each other. Nearly fully taking each other out but Carey securing a glove around the ball.

A little sheepish look at each other as they realise the luck and skill that saw them secure another wicket.

Starc and Root take a bow

Cricket is a team sport but Starc and Root can take a bow individually for their respecitive countries.

Australia's Starc taking six wickets and England's Root stealing a century have undoubtedly made their teams proud.

What to watch and listen to tomorrow

This is just the beginning!

Join us here for day two of Brisbane's test tomorrow. Watch along on 7Plus as an Aussie resident or for those outside Australia you can use NordVPN to unlock the next chapter.

In the UK? You're in luck! Join the BBC’s iconic Test Match Special (TMS) which will be broadcasting ball-by-ball coverage of every match. Find out more about it in our handy guide here.

In a photo: mixed emotions as play ends

What do you think?

Will England pull a shocker at the Gabbatoir and potentially upset the record books? Or are Australia competing in a marathon and not a sprint?

Guess you'll have to check in tomorrow to find out!

See you tomorrow for another action-packed day!

After nine hours of covering day one, I'm as knackered as Joe Root scoring his first century on Australian soil!

Jokes aside, it's been an absolute pleasure covering this first day of test two. I hope to see you all tomorrow for what promises to be an unpredictable and thrilling next chapter of this showdown between two mighty nations.

Remember to watch along on 7Plus in Australia or for those outside the country you can use NordVPN.

I've been Dan, and I'll see you tomorrow.

Welcome back to the Gabba!

Coverage for the second day of test two has now begun!

Less than an hour until the next chapter begins.

Make sure you tune in to 7Plus in Australia, or for those outside the country you can use NordVPN.

A recap of England's performance yesterday

To recap: England looked strong.

Despite a very shaky start from the English side, with two wickets claimed by the merciless Aussies within 15 minutes, nerves were settled and the day ended on 325-9.

There were a lot of ducks - when the batter is out on zero runs - but it didn't matter because England had Joe Root.

Root finished yesterday on 135 but he certainly isn't finished today.

Alongside Archer, they found a rhythm and held Australia at bay for that last wicket. How much longer will that last though?

What the duck?

Side note: I just found out why scoring zero runs is called a duck. It's because the number 0 looks like a duck's egg.

Useless fact? Absolutely. Adorable imagery? Absolutely.

Australia's omissions

Worth discussing two big omissions from the Aussie side: Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.

Their captain Cummins is still recovering from a back injury but Lyon? Their third-highest wicket-taker is fine but has been left on the bench for the first time in a home Test for over 10 years.

An audacious move from the Aussies or a glaring omission?

In the words of Jason Bateman's sports commentator from the endlessly quotable film Dodgeball: "It's a bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off for 'em."

Average Joe? No!

A lot of the headlines have focused on Joe Root, and rightly so.

The Aussies must be feeling a bit sheepish now, having even dubbed him 'Average Joe' apparently, but he has had the last laugh.

How many more runs can he get before Australia secure their final wicket?

The first ball hit!

And day two is officially underway! England score a run and add to their already impressive tally.

9-326.

That's the tenth wicket!

A sloppy ball from Archer and an incredible catch from Labuschagne, who dives for it, sees England retire from batting for now.

Inevitable that Australia would claim their final wicket but England must be a tad disappointed with how soon it was.

Over to you Australia.

Hopefully the century didn't go to his Head

Lead with your strongest player. That may be thinking as Australia put Travis Head out to bat first.

He's only scored a century for them last time he was batting for Australia. England - fans and players alike - will be wary.

0-0.

0-0...still

We hope you haven't nodded off since Australia have taken up batting because nothing has happened.

Maybe they're taking some time getting into the swing of things.

0-0.

Head, chest

Head took a hell of a whack to the chest courtesy of an Archer ball.

He looks fine and wasn't obstructing the wicket but the speed of that would not have been kind to him.

Some pretty safe batting from Australia

Slow and steady wins the race?

Australia seem to think so, and it's certainly early days. Mind you, England don't seem to be in a rush to get a wicket anytime soon with this game plan.

0-22.

Australia have a lucky escape

You can see the delight turn to disappointment in real time on Archer's face.

England have a chance to catch Head out after a rare deflect off his bat...but the catch is fumbled!

Lucky for Australia, unlucky for England.

Australia's prodigal son returns

There he is. Head has returned.

There's the form that England have been dreading. A six and some lovely fours have been played in quick succession.

Can Stokes work some of his bowling magic from test one?

0-57.

Finding England's weaknesses

Head and Weatherald are systematically picking apart England's fielding.

Right past Stokes who bowled it, over the head of the wickie - the ball is managing to find all the places the England team aren't

England may be getting a taste of their own medicine if things continue like they are.

0-74.

Head-ing home

First wicket for England! And they got rid of their main threat from last test: Head.

Thanks for the memories but that'll be all for now, Travis.

1-77.

A turning point?

Could this be the turning point England need?

Not only is it one wicket under the belt to get the ball rolling (no pun intended) but they managed to neutralise their biggest threat. A morale booster for sure but will that translate into results...we'll find out soon.

1-84.

100 for the Aussies!

Labuschagne and Weatherald see Australia to 100.

And the next ball sees a triumphant Weatherald reach 50. Half a century. Could he do the full Head?

1-101.

Cracks showing in England team

Stokes is getting frustrated.

It could be that Brissy heat, it could be the Australian defiant batting or it could be his own team's lack of drive.

Whatever it is, they need a cool head to prevail and seize a chance when they're given it.

1-121.

Tea break

Australia must be feeling pretty good about 130 runs for just one wicket.

This time yesterday, England were just shy of 200 runs with four wickets to show for it. Obviously Australia had a later start today as England finished their final batting but it's a different story right now.

The only thing that matters is that Australia close that gap of 204 runs.

1-130.

Back from tea

We hope you had a lovely tea break.

One team you can imagine who didn’t will be England. They’ve got nine wickets left to capture. Sure, compared to how they were on test one day two this is a good position but still not ideal.

Can they defy the odds and seize victory in the Gabba?

1-131.

England shows some signs of life

A few slip ups from the - up to this point very consistent - Labuschagne and Weatherald.

Nothing crazy but maybe enough to inspire some new ideas from England. Is that too much to ask?

1-137.

There’s the second wicket!

Proof not to write off England!

Just as you think you know what’s happening, Archer bowls a blinder. It’s LBW for Weatherald after a sterling run for Australia.

Securing 72, he must be gutted he didn’t make a century. To replace him acting captain Steve Smith.

2-146.

180 runs separating them

Australia trail by 180 runs, it’s a very achievable feat to beat England’s first offering…

…We may just see it by the end of today if England are still struggling with the wickets.

This is looking like it’ll at least last longer than two days.

Fans with day three and four tickets will be rubbing their hands with glee.

2-154.

A well needed break

England could do with a little check in, a chance to cool down and boost the morale.

Australia have risen to the challenge of England’s day one batting and are looking lethal.

You can’t help but feel that it will just take the right rhythm to get them back on their feet.

Time will tell.

2-155.

Night approaches…

The shadows are rising on the green which can only mean one thing…night play is around the corner.

Technically this is where Australia excel - particularly Starc bowling - but it’ll be interesting to see how England deals with it.

2-174.

Less than 150 runs to grasp

Australia are trailing by 145 runs, and that sounds a lot more threatening now.

Although it's the long game, every run adds up and with eight wickets still in need of claiming, this may be a marathon not a sprint.

2-189.

Archer stumped

Looks like England could do with a shake up.

New bowlers? New strategy? New day?

Any of the above might help them at this point.

A third wicket...one hour later

Finally, the clouds have broken.

Stokes delivers a beautiful ball which deflects off Labuschagne's bat straight into the wicket keeper's gloves.

Textbook.

65 is nothing to be sniffed at, and Labuschagne was a great duo alongside Steve Smith but all things must pass.

3-196.

200!

Well done, Australia.

Big things to live up to after yesterday's showcase of batting, but they've hit a major milestone.

That's the exciting thing about these games, it could honestly go either way. England seem to have found some form but Australia has the momentum...who will come away today the stronger side?

3-200.

Read, watch and hear the Ashes at once!

If you're not watching the Ashes and just reading this...firstly, thank you. Secondly, get watching and listening to the action now!

Be sure to watch along on 7Plus as an Aussie resident and for those who don't come from a land down under you can use NordVPN to unlock every minute of the action.

For the local poms, join the BBC’s iconic Test Match Special (TMS) which will be broadcasting ball-by-ball coverage of every match. Find out more about it in our handy guide here.

Stokes, leading from the front

While not as prolific as he was in Perth, Stokes has reminded everyone why he is the England captain.

Yes, he can be prone to passionate outbursts but you sense that he's always trying to think ahead and probe any weaknesses that the Aussies show (admittedly not many).

Will he activate his inner Starc when night falls and guide that pink ball into a few wickets? Honestly, your guess is as good as mine at this point.

3-209.

Just shy of 100 runs Australia trailing by

By the time I type this out it looks like Australia won't be far off just 100 runs they trail England by.

They've fought back with everything.

As we head into break now, we'll see how this develops very soon. Talk to you then.

3-228.

We're back!

The Brisbane sun has set, but things are still heated out there.

Green and Smith make a cohesive unit against the always reliable Stokes. Who will break first?

3-233.

You've gotta give it to the Barmy Army...

Nearly at 250 and no signs of stopping

Maybe Stokes' wicket was a flash in the pan.

The more time that elapses, the more this feels like the case as Australia plod along and England fail to make any progress.

Maybe this will all change with a flurry of activity. Maybe I'll become pope one day. Anything's possible.

3-247.

Smith reaches 50!

Steve Smith's 14th half century against England!

That's definitely something to be celebrated. He's had some big shoes to fill with Cummins' absence but he's kept the team together and done a good job batting too.

3-266.

Photo of the day: Head dive

While things are chugging along on the green, it feels like a good time to do the photo of the day.

It's got to be what I've christened this shot 'Head dive'. Look at the way he absolutely throws his body into the game.

He truly is one of the greats.

What's gone wrong...or what's gone right?

As Australia approach 300 runs, there's one question: what has happened?

True, Australia have been batting consistently but England have been lacking again. They just haven't felt here today unlike yesterday where they had something to prove.

What's gone on? It's the most cliche phrase, but there will definitely be some 'soul searching' tonight for sure.

3-290.

Fourth and fifth wicket!

Cameron Green is out with 45 runs under his belt!

Carse claims another victim and delivers an absolute belter of a ball that smashes the wickets a new one.

And...

An absolutely wicked catch from Jacks sees Steve Smith out. An almost impossible position as he curls his body around to catch it coming off Smith's bat.

I'm gonna post this now in case they get a sixth wicket...I can't keep up!

5-292.

Duckett let off the hook

With two superb wickets, it looks like Duckett may be let off the hook for a pretty criminal error when it came to catching - or not catching - a ball off Carse's bat.

It could have been three in quick succession true, but they'll definitely settle for two after that drought.

Who had England getting two wickets before Australia reached 300 runs on theit card? I certainly didn't!

5-292.

300!

Carey and Inglis get Australia over the 300 mark.

10 minutes ago it was two completely different batters that looked like they were going to achieve that feat.

5-301.

Not to be outdone, the Aussie fans are also going for it...

Carse visibly frustrated

Carse is not happy at failing to claim another wicket after that hot streak.

In fact - even as someone who can't lip read - I can clearly make out that he says 'duckkkk' after one particularly bad ball. Surely, he must be a reference bowling duck. Right?

Oh, unless he meant f...

Duckett suffering from a case of butterfingers

Carse ain't the only England player who is not impressed.

Duckett has missed not one but two catches. Unlucky mate.

5-329.

A sixth (and nearly seventh) wicket!

The wickets burst into orange flames and shatter everywhere.

Stokes claims a sixth wicket.

A decisive way to send off John Inglis!

After a tense review it looks for a moment like Stokes may have claimed a seventh too, however Neser lives to tell the tale.

6-333.

No centuries today

As play reaches its last hour or so, it looks like we won't see another century a la Root today.

A few Aussie batters got into the 60s and 70s but no dice when it comes to that lucrative triple digit number. Maybe tomorrow will be the day,

Energy levels are definitely flagging but that's to be expected after eight hours of play. Will we see another flurry of activity before play ends?

6-346.

Four dropped catches for England

In case you missed it, England missed four fairly simple catches.

You can blame nerves, a lack of energy or morale but they'll be some tough questions in the locker room.

6-368.

Australia lead by 44

Will Australia be able to overtake England before play ends tonight?

They've been plodding along at a very nice rate and it seems hard to imagine that coming to an end any time soon.

6-378.

End of play!

As soon as I wrote that last post, of course, that's when play ends.

Well, if England were the better team yesterday it only seems fair that Australia claim the high ground today.

However, despite that, if this day is remembered for something it will be Will Jacks' insane catch getting out Steve Smith. Even he doesn't seem to believe what he's done! I definitely jumped the gun early calling Head's dive as the photo of the day.

We end the day on 378-6.

Thanks for joining us!

Again thanks for joining us for this coverage, and make sure to keep following tomorrow for all the action at the Gabba...who knows which way it'll go.

If you're based in Australia, tune in to 7Plus and for those outside Aus check out NordVPN to unlock every minute of the action.

All Brits can join the BBC’s iconic Test Match Special (TMS) which will be broadcasting ball-by-ball coverage of every match. Find out more about it in our handy guide here.

I appreciate you staying with me, I've been Dan and speak to you again soon.