🔗 Share this article Neser Delivers Pivotal Wickets Before Australia Ease to 2-0 Ashes Advantage Against England Over a period of 180 minutes, England's Ben Stokes threatened to produce a repeat of the iconic innings that cemented his name into Ashes folklore. While that famous Leeds innings is remembered for its explosive finish, the bedrock of unyielding defence upon which it was constructed is frequently forgotten. "These are the moments he lives for," noted former captain Ricky Ponting as Stokes prepared for his entry to the wicket. The tourists' situation entering the fourth day at the Brisbane's Gabba was similarly precarious, trailing 43 runs to make the hosts to bat again with only 6 remaining wickets. Yet, at 5.50pm, with the floodlights on, Stokes's resistance was ended. Michael Neser, bowling to an attacking field, found the outside edge, and gloveman Alex Carey held a sharp take close to the stumps. This rounded off a sublime display of wicketkeeping from Carey and extinguished any remaining Australian nerves. Stokes departed for a hard-fought half-century from 152 balls, his dismissal effectively confirming England's fate. A Chase Wiped Out Soon after, Australia had chased down the paltry target of 65 runs, securing an comprehensive eight-wicket win in just 10 overs. This outcome gave them a commanding 2-0 lead, a position that appears decidedly ominous for England with three Tests left to play. Stokes's innings, allied with a determined 41 from tailender Will Jacks, represented an admirable attempt at atonement on one front. The bowlers gave precious little, delivering excellent lines and lengths on a difficult pitch offering variable pace. Superiority in Crucial Departments Nevertheless, it underscored the glaring differences between the teams. The fielding side has been outclassed in the fielding area, spilling 5 opportunities during Australia's first innings of 511. In contrast, Australia were clinical, summed up by a remarkable one-handed catch by Smith at slip to remove Jacks. Additionally, The tourists were out-thought by Australia, who expertly used the pink-ball circumstances. Even a last visiting error before their total of 241 concluded: Gus Atkinson, a capable batsman, succumbed to a ill-advised pull shot directly to a fielder. "That wicket was among the most gormless on this trip," the analysis stated, pointing out a bouncer plan that was almost deliberately fallen into. The Road Forward The two sides now take a extended pause before the next match in Adelaide. Joe Root's men once again needing to reflect, while Australia will only ask more questions. With comebacks of Pat Cummins and off-spinner Nathan Lyon will further bolster an formidably powerful side.