England vs Australia 2nd Ashes Test, Predictions, Preview : Can England Bounce Back in Brisbane

The Ashes heats up again England vs Australia face off in the second Test, a high-pressure Day-Night match at the Gabba in Brisbane .Following a crushing two-day defeat in the series opener in Perth, England are under immense pressure, trailing 1-0 and desperately need to bounce back.

Australia victory in the first Test was comprehensive, powered by Mitchell Starc and Travis Head  blistering counter attack.Usman Khawaja Ruled Out due to a back injury. Josh Inglis or Beau Webster could replace him,Captain Steve Smith (taking over from the injured Pat Cummins) will lead the side and the team . The likely combination is the dynamic Travis Head to partner the Jake Weatherald, pushing Head up the order after his heroics in Perth.

The bowling attack, featuring the pace of Mitchell Starc and the control of Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett, is settled and lethal with the pink ball. Nathan Lyon provides the crucial spin threat.

On the other hand,England goes into the Gabba Test needing a major turnaround after their heavy two-day defeat in Perth ,England have made one forced change. Will Jacks comes in for the injured Mark Wood, who is out with a knee issue. Jacks adds extra batting depth at number eight and provides another bowling option .

With Wood missing, England will depend heavily on the Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, who is a major threat with the pink ball. He will be supported by Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes.The top order Crawley, Duckett, and Pope must handle Australia fast bowlers to give Joe Root Harry Brook and Ben Stokes a strong platform. Better composure is essential after their costly collapses in Perth.

England vs Australia Head to Head Records in Test 

Total Matches Played : 362

Australia won : 153

England won : 112

Draws. : 97

England already announced playing XIs 

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jaime Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer

Australia probably playing XIs 

Travis Head, Jake Weatherald,Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith(c), Josh Inglis/Beau Webster, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Mitchell Starc

Players to Watch Out

Marnus Labuschagne :  has been impressive record in Gabba averaging almost 64 in Day-Night Tests with four centuries , ability to soak pressure and Firey pace attack in middle order,He will play crucial in this match and helps to put competitive total.

Mitchell Starc :  being leading wicket taker in day night test with 81 wickets scalp at an average of 17.08 , he is ability to take wickets with new ball also break Partnership that’s why biggest weapon for Australia, and biggest threat for England.

Joe Root  : is the key player in England’s batting lineup. Although he is one of the  second highest run scorers in Test history and averages around 51 overall, Australia has always been a difficult place for him. He has never scored a Test century there, and his average in Australia drops to about 35.68.Root has played more Day-Night Tests than any other England batter, averaging 34.50 in six innings . After a poor start in Perth, he must guide the innings during the difficult twilight period to help England post a strong and competitive total.

Ben Stokes : brilliant spell of 5/23 in the Perth Test showed his ability to change a match with bowl. Stokes must provide quick, meaningful runs and play an important role with the ball. His all-round impact will be crucial, if England want to match Australia’s intensity at the Gabba.

Match Prediction

Australia goes into the Gabba Day-Night Test as clear favourites. They have an excellent pink-ball record and a long history of winning in Brisbane. Even with questions about their opening pair, the team  strong bowling led by Mitchell Starc and the consistency of Marnus Labuschagne give them a big advantage. If England batting lineup clicks and put competitive total then it could be close contest.