England all-rounder Will Jacks took a superb catch to dismiss Australia stand-in captain Steve Smith on day two (Friday, December 5) of the second Ashes Test 2025-26 at the Gabba in Brisbane. Commentators and fans were stunned after Jacks’ one-handed catch, and the video went viral on social media.
England were bowled out for 334 runs in the morning session of the second day. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 138 after adding a 70-run partnership with Jofra Archer for the final wicket. Root reached his 40th Test hundred and his first in Australia. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc picked up six wickets for the home side.
Watch: Will Jacks pulls off stun to dismiss Steve Smith
On the fourth ball of the 57th over of Australia’s first innings, Brydon Carse bowled a short delivery and Steve Smith attempted a pull shot. However, the right-handed batter only managed to flick it towards the back of square leg.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Jacks had a lot of ground to cover, but won the ball back in spectacular fashion. The third umpire upheld the catch and Carse knocked out two set hitters in the same set, bringing England back into the contest.
Smith returned to the locker room stunned after scoring 61 points, while the crowd and commentators were amazed by the catch. The wicket left Australia five runs short and turned the match into a gripping battle.
Will Jacks takes an absolute scream to fire Steve Smith
One of the best shots you’ll ever see 🔥 pIc.twItter.com/mj3VBVBcYou9-Jash (@JashViratian149) December 5, 2025
This is the best take I’ve ever seen – Michael Vaughan
Former players and pundits have reacted after Will Jacks made the one-handed catch to knock out Steve Smith. Michael Vaughan called it one of the best takes he had ever seen. He added that Australia’s mistakes opened the door, bringing England back into the competition.
“That’s the best catch I’ve ever seen. Oh my word! It doesn’t get better than that, it’s an incredible move from Jacks. We see Australia doing what England normally do with bat in hand, mistake after mistake. Now England are back in the game. We have a Test match on our hands,” Vaughan was quoted as saying by the BCC Test Match Special.
Ben Stokes builds momentum with brilliant delivery to dismiss Josh Inglis
Australia looked comfortable for most of the day, but everything changed in the 57th when Brydon Carse dismissed both batters in the set. England had mixed moments on the field. Ben Duckett dropped a difficult chance at Gully, adding to England’s frustration.
Skipper Ben Stokes was not happy with the fall and the tension on the field continued to build. However, Stokes produced a magical moment. He delivered a superb delivery that completely beat Josh Inglis and hit the stumps.
The ball came in sharply from wide, leaving Inglis with no chance. Australia has lost its sixth wicket and is still trailing by a few points. Notably, the hosts surpassed England’s total by six wickets and took the lead.
Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin defends ex-RCB star’s ‘PR machinery’ rant on Riyan Parag with example of Ruturaj Gaikwad
