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Pom's view: The Gabba is "where England cricket goes to die"
SEN • December 4th, 2025 11:09 am
- The first ball at the Gabba is 2pm local (3pm AEDT)
The Ashes continues with the second Test getting started at the Gabba where England are in desperate need of a win to get their series back on track.
After a day-two capitulation in Perth, the Poms will be hoping for a Queensland miracle with their media fully acknowledging the Gabba is “where English ambition usually goes to die.”
The odds are stacked against Brendan McCullum’s side, and the day-night aspect of this Test will not help them in any way shape or form.
England have made one change for the Brisbane showdown with Will Jacks replacing Mark Wood while Australia may or may not welcome back captain Pat Cummins. One change is certain however with Usman Khawaja out injured and Josh Inglis coming in. Travis Head will remain opener alongside Jake Weatherald.
Follow our live coverage as we count down to the first ball at 2pm local time (3pm AEDT).
9am UK view: "2-0 down is the point of no return in Australia"
Even the best of the cricket writers from England can't manipulate the stats from the Gabba to shine a positive light on their team
Nick Hoult of the UK Telegraph writes: "It is all on the line for this England side, and the odds stacked against them are higher than the towering floodlights at the Gabba.
"The Gabba is a place where English ambition usually goes to die on Ashes tours; its very name is evocatively Australian and the vociferous crowd can feel on top of the players with the stands tight to the playing area.
"Of all the current Test grounds where England have played 10 or more times, their loss percentage of 59 at the Gabba is greater than anywhere else."
The numbers:
- England have lost 13 of 22 Ashes Tests played at the Brisbane
- England have lost seven of the last nine at the Gabba
- Australia have won 13 out of 14 floodlit Tests overall
- Australia have lost only once (West Indies)
