Starc, Boland Push Australia Close To Win
On Day 3 of the second Test of the 2025–26 The Ashes at The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia moved within touching distance of victory over England after a dominant display with both bat and ball.
Starc’s Lower-Order Heroics
Resuming at 378/6, Australia added key runs to reach 511, taking their lead to 177. Mitchell Starc played the decisive innings of the day with a crucial 77. His 75-run ninth-wicket stand with Scott Boland was the defining partnership, changing the momentum late in the session and lifting Australia well above England’s first-innings total.
England Collapse Under Pressure
England began positively but lost wickets in clusters. Under lights, their top and middle order struggled against disciplined bowling. At stumps, they were 134/6 and still 43 runs behind. Starc and Boland added to their batting efforts with two wickets each, while Michael Neser also claimed two, leaving England facing a difficult final phase.
Australia Eye Series Lead
Australia will start Day 4 in full control, with a strong chance to seal victory and move 2–0 up in the series. England will need a major fightback to avoid defeat and keep the series alive.
