Ashes 2025-26 [WATCH]: Josh Inglis’ superb direct hit sends Ben Stokes packing on first day of Pink-Ball Test

Ashes 2025-26 intensifies with England choosing to strike first in the second trya day-night Pink-Ball clash at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 4, 2025. After AustraliaIt’s Perth’s victory, Steve SmithThe team is looking at a 2-0 lead to straddle the series, while Ben Stokes“Men run after redemption under the lights.

Joe Root’s resilience propels England to early wickets

England’s session started in disastrous fashion, collapsing to 5 for 2 as Mitchell Starc dismantled the higher order—Ben Duckett caught the first ball, Ollie Pope bowled shortly after. Zak Crawley And Joe Racine orchestrated a serious revival, forging a third wicket stand of 117 runs that took England to 98 for 2 at lunch and 150 in the 33rd over. Crawley’s smooth 76 off 93 balls, including 11 boundaries, ended via Michael Neserbut Root’s maiden century in the United States anchored the innings beyond 200.​

Harry Brook injected momentum with 31 off 33, his aggressive strokeplay resulting in a 50-run alliance with Root before Starc struck again, caught by Steve Smith. After tea the pace slowed, with Australia tightening their Scott Boland And Brendan Doggett. A failed DRS check on Root highlighted Australia’s pressure, but England passed 200 in the 49th over.

Also WATCH: Mark Waugh delivers brutal sledge to Ollie Pope just before Mitchell Starc dismisses England batter on day one of Gabba pink ball Test

Josh Inglis’ direct hit sparks Australian fightback late in the day

The drama peaked in the 55th over when Stokes, on 19 off 49, pushed Doggett’s good length delivery to cover and looked for a risky single. Root hesitated, blocking his captain; Josh Inglis quickly collected aside and unleashed a precise throw, uprooting the solitary stump. Stokes’ agonizing retreat followed a visible exchange with Root, swinging the momentum as England slipped to 210/5.​

Scott Boland quickly deleted Jamie Smith for a duck, expose the tail with Will Jacks join Root. Australia’s bowlers kept their economy in the spotlight, conceding just 20 for 2 in the last 10 overs. Inglis athletics a standout in a revamped XI Patrick Cummins And Nathan Lyonsparked roars from the Gabba faithful.

Here is the video:

JOSH INGLIS WOWEE WHAT A RUNOUT!#Ashes | #Thursday | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/o7vTz12QRb

– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 4, 2025

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