Stokes joins Root as England limp to 200‑4 in gritty day‑night Test at the Gabba

Shaky start, steady recovery

After a dismal first Test in Perth, England cricket team entered the second match of The Ashes 2025–26 at The Gabba with nerves and hopes in equal measure. Early blows from the home seamers — led by Mitchell Starc — nearly derailed their innings when both openers were out cheaply within the first few overs.

But by stumps, England had nudged themselves to 194–4, with the occasional shot of form from Joe Root and a stabilising presence from Ben Stokes.

Root anchors as Stokes steadies the ship

Root led the rescue mission, reaching 67 not out by end of play, absorbing pressure under the pink ball and playing the Australian attack with patience and control. His calm presence was crucial — few could have predicted that after losing two wickets early, England would crawl past 150.

Stokes, meanwhile, provided the backbone. His gritty lower‑middle‑order batting underlined England’s intent to recover from their Perth collapse. Together, the pair shepherded England past the 200‑run mark — a modest total, but a foundation on which they can build.

Context: a need to respond after Perth drubbing

The pressure was enormous. In the first Test, England were dismantled inside two days after a batters’ collapse and a brutal counter‑attack from Australia, delivered by Travis Head’s blistering century. Critics were quick to label England’s approach reckless; questions were raised about discipline, shot-selection and temperament under pressure.

Captain Stokes has since insisted the team has “learnt the lessons” from that defeat and remains committed to their attacking DNA.

The challenge of the pink ball and The Gabba crucible

The Gabba day‑night Test presents unique challenges. The pink ball tends to behave differently under lights — swing can linger, visibility for batsmen shifts, and pressure builds steadily as floodlights replace daylight. Australia’s dominance at the Gabba — particularly in pink-ball Tests — looms large.

England’s decision to bring in Will Jacks for the injured Mark Wood reflects their attempt at tweaking the balance: more batting depth and spin‑all‑round potential over pure pace.

Still far from safe, but a footing recovered

Even at 200‑4, England’s position is far from commanding. The total is modest, especially in a Test where first‑innings runs will carry weight. Yet, given the early wickets and the psychological baggage from Perth, the innings now feels like a reprieve rather than a launchpad.

What matters now for England is consolidation: posting a defendable total, backing it up with disciplined bowling, and avoiding another collapse. If Root and Stokes — or someone in the middle order — can add another 50–100 runs, there’s a slim path back into contention.

For now, though, the ball remains in Australia’s court. But, for England, surviving night one at the Gabba with four wickets in hand might count as half‑victory already.