🔗 Share this article Neser's Pivotal Wickets Before The Aussies Ease to 2-0 Ashes Series Advantage Against The English For a period of three hours, Ben Stokes threatened to produce a repeat of the legendary knock that etched his reputation into Ashes folklore. Although that famous Leeds innings is remembered for its explosive finale, the bedrock of stubborn defence upon which it was built is frequently overlooked. "These are the occasions he lives for," noted Ricky Ponting as Stokes awaited his entry to the crease. The tourists' predicament entering the final day at the Brisbane's Gabba was equally precarious, needing 43 runs to make the hosts to bat a second time with only 6 remaining wickets. Yet, at 5.50pm, with the floodlights on, Stokes's resistance was halted. Seamer Michael Neser, operating to an attacking field setting, found the edge, and gloveman Alex Carey held a sharp catch standing up. This rounded off a superb display of glovework from Carey and extinguished any remaining home side anxieties. Stokes departed for a gritty 50 runs from 152 balls, his exit all but sealing England's fate. A Target Wiped Out By 7.30pm, The Australian team had chased down the modest target of 65, securing an eight-wicket win in just 10.2 overs. This result secured a commanding two-nil series advantage, a position that appears increasingly ominous for the visitors with three Tests left to play. The all-rounder's innings, allied with a determined 41 from Will Jacks, was an impressive effort at atonement on one level. The bowlers gave very little, bowling excellent line and length on a difficult pitch providing inconsistent bounce. Superiority in Key Areas However, it highlighted the glaring disparities between the sides. England was outclassed in the fielding area, dropping five chances during Australia's massive first innings of 511. In contrast, their opponents were flawless, epitomized by a remarkable one-handed catch by Steve Smith to remove Jacks. Furthermore, England were out-thought by their hosts, who masterfully manipulated the pink-ball circumstances. Even one final visiting error before their total of 241 ended: Gus Atkinson, a competent lower-order player, succumbed to a poor pull shot directly to a fielder. "His dismissal ranked among the most thoughtless on this trip," commentary stated, highlighting a bouncer trap that was seemingly wilfully fallen into. Looking Ahead The two sides now have a nine-day break before the third Test in Adelaide. England are left needing to reflect, while Pat Cummins's squad will only ask more questions. The likely comebacks of skipper Cummins and spinner Lyon will further strengthen an already dominant team.