Australia and England head into the second Ashes Test at the Gabba with the hosts holding a 1-0 lead after a statement win in Perth. Travis Head’s rapid 69-ball hundred and Mitchell Starc’s 10-wicket haul shifted the match firmly their way. Scott Boland’s and Marnus Labuschagne’s composure added to a performance that strengthened Australia’s grip on the series.
England showed promise early in the first Test but couldn’t maintain it when the pressure rose. Harry Brook looked solid with the bat, though their inexperienced attack struggled to close out key passages. Now they move to the Gabba, a ground where they haven’t won since 1986 and where Australia’s pink-ball specialists have historically dominated.
Here are TSN’s predictions, lineups, betting tips, odds and live scorecard for the second Ashes Test.
Australia vs England betting preview: Who will win?
Australia look strong heading into Brisbane, backed by a venue record England have struggled to touch for nearly four decades. The hosts are unbeaten in their last nine men’s Tests against England at the Gabba and haven’t lost there since 1986.
Their pink-ball specialists and in-form top order give them a clear advantage over an England side still searching for consistency.
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Head-to-head record: Australia vs England in Test Matches
Australia and England have faced each other 361 times in Test matches. Australia lead the Ashes rivalry with 152 wins, while England have won 112 matches and 97 matches ended in draws.
- Total matches: 361
- Australia wins: 152
- England wins: 112
- Tied/No result: 97
Australia vs England Form Guide & Predictions
Australia go into the second Test in Brisbane on the back of a commanding eight-wicket win in Perth. They have won four of their last five Tests, with their pace attack once again dictating terms.
England arrive under pressure after letting the opener slip despite being in strong positions across the first two innings. They have won only one of their last five Tests and continue to struggle in overseas conditions.
Australia – Last 5 Tests
- Australia won by 8 wickets vs England (Perth)
- Australia won by 176 runs vs West Indies (Kingston)
- Australia won by 133 runs vs West Indies (St George's)
- Australia won by 159 runs vs West Indies (Bridgetown)
- South Africa won by 5 wickets vs Australia (Lord's)
England – Last 5 Tests
- Australia won by 8 wickets vs England (Perth)
- India won by 6 runs vs England (The Oval)
- England drew vs India (Manchester)
- England won by 22 runs vs India (Lord’s)
- India won by 336 runs vs England (Birmingham)
AllSportsPeople Prediction for AUS vs ENG 2nd Test
- If Australia bat first: 360-450
- If England bat first: 240-310
Expected Result: Australia start as clear favourites based on form, conditions and depth in their bowling attack. England can compete if Root and Brook deliver big runs, but Australia’s strength under lights at the Gabba puts them in prime position to take a 2-0 series lead.
Australia vs England lineups: Predicted XIs and team news
Australia Team News
Australia have been forced into a key change ahead of the Brisbane Test, with Usman Khawaja ruled out on Tuesday afternoon due to a back injury. Pat Cummins’ return has also been delayed, meaning the hosts will go in with the same squad that featured in Perth. That keeps the door open for Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett, both of whom will hope to add to their debut appearances.
The big question for Australia is how they line up at the top. Travis Head smashed a century as a stand-in opener in Perth, and his form may tempt the management to keep him there. If that happens, Khawaja’s absence creates a midfield reshuffle. Josh Inglis remains a strong batting option, while Beau Webster’s all-round ability keeps him in the mix. Cummins and Hazlewood continue to sit out, leaving the bowling attack unchanged from the first Test.
Australia (predicted playing XI): Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Mitch Starc, Michael Neser, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett
READ MORE: Australia vs. England lineups, predicted starting XI's | Inglis catches the eye at Gabba, Webster to miss out again? | Odds for England to win a test match
England Team News
England made their plans clear on Tuesday afternoon by confirming one change to their XI for the second Test. Mark Wood, who has been nursing a knee issue and was spotted in training with a heavy brace, has been rested. Off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks comes in ahead of pacer Josh Tongue and specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir, mainly due to the balance he offers with bat and in the field.
Most of the England squad travelled straight to Brisbane from Perth, while Tongue and Matthew Potts were sent to Canberra for a pink-ball game against the Prime Minister’s XI to stay match-ready. England’s top order stays intact, but the loss of Wood leaves their attack leaning on a young pace group that will need to step up at the Gabba.
England (confirmed playing 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.
Players to Watch – Australia vs England 2nd Test
Marnus Labuschagne (Australia): Superb form in Day/Night Tests with 958 runs at 63.86. His consistency at No. 3 makes him Australia’s biggest stability factor against the pink ball.
Mitchell Starc (Australia): Starc remains the ultimate D/N weapon, taking 81 wickets at 17.1. His ability to swing the pink ball at high pace can break games open in a single spell.
Harry Brook (England): Brook hasn’t hit his best against Australia yet, averaging 37.7, but his stroke play and counter-attacking style make him England’s most dangerous middle-order option.
Australia vs. England odds and tips: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, Australia enter the second Ashes Test as clear favourites, priced at 1.18 compared to England’s 4.58.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
Australia | 1.18 |
England | 4.58 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Australia to win: Their dominant pink-ball record, strong middle order and the Starc-led attack give them a clear edge heading into the second Test.
- Marnus Labuschagne to score 50+: His outstanding Day/Night numbers and consistency at No. 3 make another big knock highly likely.
- Mitchell Starc to take 3+ wickets: Starc’s unmatched pink-ball record and ability to strike early and late position him as the most threatening bowler on either side.
AUS vs. ENG live scorecard: 2nd Test
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Where to watch AUS vs. ENG 2nd Test in India
- Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
- Date & Time (IST): Thursday, December 02, 9:30 a.m
- Live Telecast & Streaming Details: JioHotstar
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