by The second Ashes Test has begun disastrously for England.
They won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to set a strong foundation. Instead, they’re staring at 32 for 2 after just 8 overs.
Mitchell Starc struck twice in the opening hour. First, he removed Ben Duckett with a perfect outswinger that caught the edge.
Then Ollie Pope fell to another brilliant delivery that seamed away. England’s top order is crumbling under the intense pressure in Brisbane.
Zak Crawley is fighting hard on 25, showing grit and determination.
Joe Root has just walked in on 7, carrying England’s hopes on his legendary shoulders. But the damage is done.
Australia’s fast bowlers smell blood. The Gabba’s famous bounce and pace are terrorizing English batters.
This early collapse puts England in desperate trouble. They trail 0-1 in the series after losing the Perth Test by 8 wickets.
Now, at Australia’s fortress ground, they’re already on the back foot within the first hour of play.
Australia vs England Ashes 2nd Test Day 1 Odds & Prediction
The Australia vs England Ashes 2nd Test Day 1 Odds & Prediction on 04 Dec 2025 heavily favors the home team.
Let’s analyze why Australia is dominating and what England must do to survive.
First Test Recap: How Momentum Built for Australia
Before analyzing today’s play, let’s understand how we reached this point.
The 1st Test at Perth was brutal for England:
England’s 1st Innings: 172 all out in 32.5 overs
- Mitchell Starc destroyed them with 7 wickets for 58 runs
- Only Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46) showed resistance
- Complete batting collapse against pace
Australia’s 1st Innings: 132 all out in 45.2 overs
- England fought back! Ben Stokes took 5/23
- Brydon Carse grabbed 3/45, Jofra Archer 2/11
- England led by 40 runs after the first innings
England’s 2nd Innings: 164 all out in 34.4 overs
- Another collapse! Scott Boland took 4/33
- Starc added 3 more wickets (3/55)
- Set Australia just 205 to win
Australia’s 2nd Innings: 205 for 2 in 28.2 overs
- Travis Head smashed brilliant 123 runs
- Marnus Labuschagne contributed solid 51
- Australia won by 8 wickets comfortably
The Momentum Factor:
This Perth victory gave Australia massive psychological advantage. They learned:
- Their pace attack can destroy England (Starc took 10 wickets in match!)
- England’s batting cracks under pressure repeatedly
- Travis Head can win matches single-handedly
England learned painful lessons:
- Their batters can’t handle quality pace bowling
- Small totals (172, 164) mean they can’t compete
- Even when bowling well (Stokes 5/23), their batting lets them down
Now at The Gabba, Australia’s confidence is sky-high. England? They’re rattled, worried, and already 32/2. The momentum is entirely one-sided.
Australia vs England Ashes 2nd Test Day 1 Prediction: Statistical Analysis
Based on current match situation, team form, and venue history, here’s our prediction:
Winner: Australia (80% Probability)
England’s Day 1 Score Prediction: 180-220 all out
Why This Score?
- Already 32/2 after 8 overs (bad start)
- The Gabba pitch is nightmare for batters on Day 1
- Starc is unplayable right now (took 2 wickets already)
- Root and Crawley must bat 50+ overs together to reach 250+
- Unlikely both survive that long against this attack
Australia’s Response Prediction (Day 2-3): 350-420
Why This Score?
- Travis Head in devastating form (scored 123 last match)
- Steve Smith loves The Gabba (averages 60+ here)
- Pitch gets easier for batting Day 2-3
- England’s bowling good but not penetrative enough
Match Result Prediction:
Australia wins by innings margin or 150+ runs
England’s only hope? Root scores 150+, Crawley makes 80+, and they somehow reach 320+. Then their bowlers must produce miracle performance. Probability? Less than 20%.
Key Player Battles: Individual Match-Ups That Decide the Game
Battle 1: Mitchell Starc vs Joe Root
| Factor | Mitchell Starc | Joe Root |
|---|---|---|
| Current Form | Incredible (10 wickets in 1st Test) | Under pressure (must score big) |
| Weapon | Left-arm swing + pace | Classical technique + patience |
| H2H Stats | Dismissed Root 8 times in Tests | Averages 42 vs Starc (struggles) |
| Psychological Edge | Already took 2 wickets today | Watching teammates fall around him |
| Win Condition | Get Root before he reaches 30 | Survive first 20 balls, then attack |
Prediction: Starc has 60% chance of getting Root before he reaches 50. If Root survives first hour, he could score big. This battle decides England’s total.
Battle 2: Travis Head vs Jofra Archer
| Factor | Travis Head | Jofra Archer |
|---|---|---|
| Current Form | Brilliant (123 in last match) | Decent (2/11 but needs more wickets) |
| Weapon | Aggressive strokeplay | Raw pace (150+ km/h) + bounce |
| H2H Stats | Scores quickly vs pace | Got Head out 3 times in career |
| Psychological Edge | Confidence from century | Must break Australia’s batting |
| Win Condition | Attack first 10 balls, dominate | Bowl short, use The Gabba bounce |
Prediction: Head will likely score 50+ before Archer gets him. But if Archer gets him early (under 20), England has a chance. This battle decides Australia’s total.
Battle 3: Marnus Labuschagne vs Ben Stokes
| Factor | Marnus Labuschagne | Ben Stokes |
|---|---|---|
| Current Form | Good (51 in last match) | Excellent (5/23 bowling in 1st Test) |
| Weapon | Solid defense + patience | Swing bowling + captain’s brain |
| H2H Stats | Averages 35 vs Stokes (struggles) | Got Labuschagne 6 times in career |
| Psychological Edge | Playing at home | Leading desperate team |
| Win Condition | Wear down bowlers, bat long | Attack stumps, create pressure |
Prediction: Stokes has good record vs Labuschagne. 50-50 battle. Whoever wins this could swing match their team’s way.
Comprehensive Odds Analysis: What Bookmakers Say?
Here are complete betting odds from multiple platforms:
| Betting Platform | AUS Win Odds | ENG Win Odds | Toss Odds (AUS) | Toss Odds (ENG) | 1st Innings Lead (AUS) | 1st Innings Lead (ENG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 1.40 | 3.10 | 1.92 | 1.92 | 1.75 | 2.20 |
| Stake | 1.37 | 2.90 | 1.90 | 1.90 | 1.70 | 2.10 |
| BetVibe | 1.38 | 2.95 | 1.91 | 1.91 | 1.72 | 2.12 |
| 4RABET | 1.35 | 3.00 | 1.88 | 1.88 | 1.68 | 2.05 |
What These Numbers Really Mean?
Australia Win Odds (1.35-1.40):
These are extremely low odds, showing overwhelming favoritism. In simple terms:
- Bookmakers believe Australia has 70-75% winning chance
- If you bet ₹1000 on Australia and they win, you get only ₹1350-1400 back
- Low profit because outcome seems almost certain
England Win Odds (2.90-3.10):
These are high odds, indicating bookies think England is massive underdog:
- England given just 25-30% winning chance
- If you bet ₹1000 on England and they shock everyone, you get ₹2900-3100 back
- High profit because it’s considered unlikely upset
First Innings Lead Odds:
Australia favored even for first innings (1.68-1.75 vs 2.05-2.20). This means bookmakers expect Australia to outscore England in first innings itself, not just win overall match.
Why Such One-Sided Odds?
- ✅ Australia playing at home (The Gabba fortress)
- ✅ Won 1st Test by 8 wickets (dominant victory)
- ✅ England already 32/2 today (early collapse confirms fears)
- ✅ Starc in unstoppable form (10 wickets in 1st Test)
- ✅ Historical dominance (Australia rarely loses at Brisbane)
The Gabba Pitch Report: Day-by-Day Behavior
The Gabba is one of world’s fastest, bounciest pitches. Here’s what players face:
Day 1 Characteristics (TODAY):
- Surface: Hard, lively, fresh pitch
- Bounce: Steep, uneven, unpredictable
- Seam Movement: Significant sideways movement
- Pace: Fast, ball carries through to keeper
- Batting Difficulty: EXTREME (nightmare for batters)
- Best Time to Bowl: First session (most movement)
- Strategy: Survive, defend, don’t take risks
Day 2-3 Characteristics:
- Surface: Settles down, less green grass
- Bounce: Still there but more predictable
- Seam Movement: Reduces significantly
- Pace: Remains fast but batting easier
- Batting Difficulty: MODERATE (best time to score)
- Best Time to Bat: All day (pitch at its best)
- Strategy: Attack, score big, build partnerships
Day 4-5 Characteristics:
- Surface: Cracks appear, dries out
- Bounce: Becomes uneven again
- Seam Movement: Less for pacers
- Spin: Nathan Lyon starts turning the ball
- Batting Difficulty: HIGH (tough again)
- Best Time to Bowl: Spin in rough patches
- Strategy: Defensive batting, wear down bowlers
The Critical Insight:
Teams batting first face horrible Day 1 conditions, but get easier Day 2-3 batting. Teams batting second get an easier start (Day 2-3) but face a cracked pitch on Day 4-5.
England chose to bat first, meaning they face TODAY’S nightmare conditions. If they can somehow reach 250+, they get the advantage of bowling to Australia on Day 1 conditions tomorrow. But currently at 32/2, that seems impossible.
AUS vs ENG 2nd Ashes Test Today Match Prediction: Day 1 Expectations
Based on current analysis, here’s what we expect today:
England’s Day 1 Targets:
- ✅ Minimum Acceptable: 180-200 all out (poor but survivable)
- ✅ Good Score: 250-280 (gives bowlers something to work with)
- ✅ Excellent Score: 300+ (unlikely but would change the match)
How England Reaches These Scores:
For 180-200:
- Root scores 50-60, Crawley adds 40-50
- The middle order contributes 30-40 runs collectively
- Tail wags for 20-30 runs
- Realistic Probability: 60%
For 250-280:
- Root scores 80-100, Crawley makes 60-70
- Brook or Stokes plays supporting a 40+ knock
- Lower order adds 40 runs
- Realistic Probability: 25%
For 300+:
- Root scores 120+, Crawley makes 80+
- One of Brook/Stokes scores 60+
- Perfect execution, no collapses
- Realistic Probability: 10%
Australia’s Day 1 Bowling Targets:
- ✅ Excellent: Bowl England out for under 200
- ✅ Good: Get 8-9 wickets, restrict to 220-250
- ✅ Acceptable: Take 6-7 wickets, England reach 250-280
Key Wickets Australia Must Get Today:
- Joe Root (currently 7):* Most important—get him before 30
- Zak Crawley (currently 25):* Stop him reaching 50
- Ben Stokes: Don’t let the captain rescue innings
- Harry Brook: In-form batter, dangerous if settled
AUS vs ENG 2nd Test Day 1 Playing 11: Confirmed Lineups
Australia Playing XI:
| Batting Position | Player Name | Role | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Usman Khawaja | Opener | Solid, experienced |
| 2 | Jake Weatherald | Opener | Replaces injured player |
| 3 | Marnus Labuschagne | Top-order | 51 runs in 1st Test |
| 4 | Steve Smith (c) | Middle-order | 10,477 Test runs, captain |
| 5 | Travis Head | Middle-order | 123 runs in 1st Test |
| 6 | Cameron Green | All-rounder | Batting depth |
| 7 | Alex Carey (wk) | Wicketkeeper | Lower-order runs |
| 8 | Mitchell Starc | Fast bowler | 10 wickets in 1st Test |
| 9 | Nathan Lyon | Spinner | 562 Test wickets |
| 10 | Brendan Doggett | Fast bowler | 5 wickets in 1st Test |
| 11 | Scott Boland | Fast bowler | 4 wickets in 2nd innings |
Missing Players: Pat Cummins (injured), Josh Hazlewood (injured), Sean Abbott (injured)
Despite injuries, Australia’s lineup looks strong. Their bowling depth remains excellent with Starc, Boland, and Doggett all in great form.
England Playing XI:
| Batting Position | Player Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zak Crawley | Opener | Batting: 25* |
| 2 | Ben Duckett | Opener | OUT (Starc) |
| 3 | Ollie Pope | Top-order | OUT (Starc) |
| 4 | Joe Root | Middle-order | Batting: 7* |
| 5 | Harry Brook | Middle-order | 52 runs in 1st Test |
| 6 | Ben Stokes (c) | All-rounder | Captain, 5/23 bowling |
| 7 | Jacob Bethell | Middle-order | Young talent |
| 8 | Will Jacks | All-rounder | Batting depth |
| 9 | Gus Atkinson | Fast bowler | Scored 37 last match |
| 10 | Jofra Archer | Fast bowler | Pace weapon |
| 11 | Brydon Carse | Fast bowler | 5 wickets in 1st Test |
Available Reserves: Jamie Smith (wk), Shoaib Bashir (spinner), Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood
England’s lineup is at full strength, but their execution has been poor. Two early wickets show they’re struggling against quality pace bowling.
Who Has the Early Advantage? Comprehensive Analysis
Let’s break down which team controls this match:
Current Match Situation:
| Factor | Australia | England | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | Bowling (32/2) | Batting (32/2) | Australia clearly |
| Wickets Taken | 2 early wickets | 0 wickets yet | Australia dominates |
| Momentum | High confidence | Rattled, worried | Australia massive |
| Pitch Conditions | Suits their pace attack | Difficult for batting | Australia heavily |
Team Form Comparison:
Australia:
- Won last Test by 8 wickets (dominant)
- Starc: 10 wickets in Perth, 2 wickets already today (unstoppable)
- Head: 123 runs last match (in prime form)
- Smith: Experienced captain, knows The Gabba perfectly
- Overall Confidence: 9/10
England:
- Lost last Test by 8 wickets (humiliated)
- Already lost 2 wickets in 8 overs today (crisis)
- Duckett and Pope failed again (pattern forming)
- Root under immense pressure (must score big)
- Overall Confidence: 3/10
Pace Attack Comparison:
Australia’s Pace Battery:
- Mitchell Starc: Left-arm, swings both ways, 140+ km/h
- Scott Boland: Right-arm, accurate, exploits bounce
- Brendan Doggett: Right-arm, gets steep bounce
- Rating: 9.5/10
England’s Pace Battery:
- Jofra Archer: Raw pace, 150+ km/h, can trouble anyone
- Brydon Carse: Rising star, 5 wickets last match
- Gus Atkinson: Tall, gets bounce
- Rating: 8/10
Australia’s pace attack is superior, especially with Starc in this form.
Injury Situation:
Australia:
- Missing Pat Cummins (captain, star bowler)
- Missing Josh Hazlewood (accurate seamer)
- Missing Sean Abbott (all-rounder)
- Impact: Moderate (depth covers well)
England:
- Full strength squad available
- No injury concerns
- Impact: None (but still losing!)
Despite injuries, Australia dominates because their replacements (Boland, Doggett) are performing brilliantly.
The Verdict:
Australia has an overwhelming advantage:
- Leading series 1-0
- Bowling England out cheaply (on track for under 200)
- Playing at fortress ground (The Gabba)
- Starc unplayable
- Head in prime form
- Home conditions
England’s only advantages:
- Full strength squad
- Stokes bowled well last match (5/23)
- Root is batting (if he survives, could score big)
But these advantages are tiny compared to Australia’s dominance. England needs miracles, not just good cricket.
Final Analysis: Australia Marching Toward 2-0 Lead
The Australia vs England Ashes 2nd Test Day 1 Odds & Prediction on 04 Dec 2025 paints a clear picture that Australia is crushing England.
At 32 for 2 after 8 overs, England’s innings is already on life support. Mitchell Starc has struck twice with brilliant bowling.
The Gabba pitch is doing everything Australia hoped for—bouncing, seaming, terrorizing English batters.
Joe Root and Zak Crawley face a mountain to climb. They must bat 50+ overs together, score 150+ runs combined, and somehow drag England to a respectable total. The probability? Very low.
Betting odds reflect reality: Australia at 1.35-1.40 (overwhelming favorites), England at 2.90-3.10 (desperate underdogs).
Bookmakers see what cricket fans see—a one-sided contest tilting further toward the home team.
Unless Root produces an innings of his lifetime (150+ runs), England will fold for under 220. Then Travis Head and Steve Smith will pile on runs tomorrow when the pitch eases.
Australia will take a commanding 2-0 series lead, leaving England needing to win 3 of the remaining 3 Tests—nearly impossible.
The Ashes 2025-26 is turning into an Australian procession. England needs miracles.
Australia just needs to keep doing what they’re doing—bowling fast, batting aggressively, and dominating in every department! 🏏🔥
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