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England’s Ashes hopes are all but over in fewer than six days of cricket after an eight-wicket defeat by Australia in the second Test at the Gabba.<\/b><\/p>\n
England finally showed some application with the bat on the fourth day of the pink-ball match in Brisbane, yet still succumbed to their second crushing defeat of the tour following a two-day loss in the first Test in Perth.<\/p>\n
Perhaps determined to set an example to his team-mates after their dismal display on Saturday, captain Ben Stokes dug in for a watchful 50 off 152 balls.<\/p>\n
Stokes and Will Jacks, who made 41 from 92, added 96 for the seventh wicket in 36.4 overs \u2013 England’s longest partnership of the series.<\/p>\n
They were together until an hour into the middle session, when Jacks was sensationally caught by Australia captain Steve Smith at first slip.<\/p>\n
It was the beginning of England losing their final four wickets for 17 runs to be all out for 241. <\/p>\n
Stokes nicked Neser, Gus Atkinson was bounced out by Brendan Doggett and Brydon Carse edged to slip to give Neser his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.<\/p>\n
Australia were given a meagre target of 65. Though Atkinson had Travis Head chop on and produced a lifter to remove Marnus Labuschagne, victory was completed in 10 overs.<\/p>\n
It leaves Stokes’ team 2-0 down and in need of winning all three of the remaining Tests to regain the Ashes. England have never come from 2-0 behind to win a series against Australia.<\/p>\n
On the most eagerly anticipated Ashes tour for a generation and in what was supposed to be a golden opportunity to win the urn for the first time since 2015, Stokes’ men are threatening to return the worst performance by an England team in Australia in modern times.<\/p>\n
Questions about England’s attitude will again arise as the tourists plan to follow this defeat with a holiday on the Sunshine Coast.<\/p>\n
Regardless of how England spend their time between now and the third Test on 17 December (23:30 16 December GMT), they must somehow improve immeasurably for the contest in Adelaide.<\/p>\n
As Ashes holders, Australia will only need a draw to retain the urn at the earliest opportunity and before thousands of England fans travel over Christmas for the Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.<\/p>\n
The hosts will do so with the boost of captain Pat Cummins set to return from injury and off-spinner Nathan Lyon primed for a recall.<\/p>\n
Australian absences at the beginning of the series presented England with a huge chance they have blown. Now, they must face the consequences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n