Ashes 2025-26 [WATCH]: Alex Carey makes a brilliant catch while running backwards to eliminate Gus Atkinson on the first day of the Pink-Ball Test

The highly anticipated 2nd Test of Ashes Series between Australia And England kicked off at the iconic Brisbane Cricket Ground on December 4, 2025. Playing a day-night match in pink-ball conditions, the two cricketing giants clashed once again, with intense battles taking place with both bat and ball. The Gabba ground offered fair help to the bowlers from the start, leading to a gripping contest that captivated fans around the world. Australia aimed to capitalize on their momentum after the first Test, while England looked to stabilize and build on their innings.​

Alex Carey catches a screamer to dismiss Gus Atkinson on day one

One of the standout moments occurred late in the day when Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey demonstrated exceptional athleticism and reflexes to pull off an extraordinary catch. At 66.2 overs, Mitchell Starc delivered a full delivery to England Gus Atkinsonwho dominated the ball. Carey and Marnus Labuschagne sprinted shoulder to shoulder, diving for the flying ball. In a spectacular display of skill and composure, Carey managed to catch the ball while running backwards, wrapping his gloves tightly around the ball despite the difficult trajectory and high speed.

The catch was so exceptional that officials even checked to see if the ball had clipped the Spidercam wires above the field, but it was ruled clean. This crucial wicket gave Starc his fifth innings and shifted the momentum firmly in favor of Australia who bowled out England for 264/8 at this stage.​

Here is the video:

#MitchellStarc takes his fifth wicket but what a catch from Alex Carey, sprinting back, diving at full tilt and holding his own under pressure! 🤯💪
Even Marnus couldn’t believe it! #AUSvENG | THE ASHES | 2nd test, day 1 | LIVE NOW 👉🏻 https://t.co/w23M3vjJal pic.twitter.com/h09gZuO1Cz

– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 4, 2025

ALSO WATCH: Josh Inglis’ superb direct hit sends Ben Stokes packing on first day of Pink-Ball Test

England dominate with Joe Root’s maiden ton in Australia on opening day

On the batting front, England dominated most of the day at the Gabba, reaching a commendable 325/9 at stumps. Joe Racine was the standout performer, making a patient and masterful innings of 135 runs from 202 balls, including 15 boundaries, which marked his maiden Test century in Australia and his 40th overall. Root’s innings stabilized England after an early scare where key hitters Ben Duckett And Ollie Pope fell cheaply Mitchell Starc. Root skillfully married defense and attack, alternating strikes and punishing loose deliveries while the partners around him struggled to establish partnerships.

Zak Crawley provided strong support with a well-compiled 76 before succumbing to Michael Neser. Other contributions came from Harry Brook (31), Ben Stokes (19), and Will Jacks (19), but the lower order, including Atkinson and Brydon Carse, faltered under Starc’s relentless bowling. England’s innings saw several critical partnerships, including a 117-run stand for the third wicket between Crawley and Root, but Starc’s six-wicket haul and Carey’s spectacular wicket-keeping allowed Australia to keep the pressure on.

With Jofra Archer Unbeaten on 32* and Root still at the back of the stumps, England ended the day with a solid run on the scoreboard but facing a powerful Australian bowling attack under the lights. The influence of the pink ball and the fast, bouncy conditions of the Gabba promise a thrilling fight in this Ashes battle for supremacy.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Fans go wild as Joe Root smashes first Test ton on Australian soil