The Ashes series rolls into Brisbane for the second Test, beginning on Thursday (December 4). This time it’s a pink-ball showdown under The Gabba’s lights. The first Test in Perth was billed as a blockbuster, as it was a two-day spectacle which nobody quite anticipated. England’s 172-run first-innings total looked nowhere near enough, but still their fast bowlers kept them in the game, bowling Australia out for 132 and clawing their way to a 40-run lead. However, an extraordinary collapse left England scrambling to 204 all out in their second innings. From dominance to disaster in a session. It opened the door for Australia, and Travis Head stormed through it.  Head’s innings was the stuff of Ashes folklore. He blazed a 123-run knock off 83 balls to power Australia to an eight-wicket win.

Going into the second Ashes Test, Australia remain without their two premier quicks. Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, who are still recovering from their respective injuries. Moreover, Usman Khawaja was ruled out of the Brisbane Test on Tuesday with a back injury. In the first Test, the bowling responsibility fell on Mitchell Starc, and he delivered emphatically with a ten-wicket haul. 

In the second game as well, Starc would be expected to step up and carry on with the rhythm. In Khawaja's absence, Travis Head could be an option after his heroic innings in the first game. On the other hand, England, traditionally, announced their XI on Tuesday, with Mark Wood replaced by Will Jacks being the solitary change. Wood’s left knee soreness has sidelined him. 

After going all-pace in Perth, England have chosen versatility for the day-night clash, hoping Jacks can provide stability in the middle overs while coming in handy with the bat. The only thing England now needs to do is secure a win and get back into the series. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 362

AUS won - 153

ENG won - 112

Drawn: 97

Australia possible XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer