Ashes 2025: The Second Test at the Gabba gets underway under the lights as England are hit by a significant injury setback.
The Ashes
The 2025 Ashes series heads to Brisbane as the second Test gets underway under the lights at the iconic Gabba, where Australia will look to build on their commanding opening-Test victory. Mitchell Starc and Travis Head were the stars of the show in the series opener, combining ruthless bowling with counter-attacking batting to seal an emphatic eight-wicket win. England’s batting lineup, meanwhile, crumbled under Australia’s relentless pace attack. A worrying trend they must address quickly if they want to stay alive in the series.
Their challenge may get even tougher with reports suggesting Pat Cummins is set to return and resume captaincy duties for Australia. Cummins’ presence brings both world-class fast bowling and exceptional leadership, transforming an already dangerous bowling unit into something even more formidable. His ability to extract bounce and movement under the Gabba lights could be a major factor.
England head into Brisbane needing answers, and fast. Their top order, in particular, will be under the spotlight as they look to withstand one of the most fearsome bowling attacks in world cricket. The Gabba has traditionally been an Australian fortress, and with the home side riding a wave of confidence, England will require resilience, discipline, and a dramatic batting improvement to level the series.
Australia have lost only one day-night Test in their history, and although that defeat did come at the Gabba against the West Indies, they remain an incredibly tough side to beat at this venue.
Who is the betting favourite in second test between Australia vs England?
According to recent odds, Australia is the favourite to win the second test match with odds suggesting nearly a 65% implied win rate. England are the heavy underweights given their recent form and have an implied win probability of just over 33%.
| Winner | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 4/7 | AK Bets |
| England | 2/1 | bet365 |
| Draw | 18/1 | BredBet |
Odds last updated at 11:00 Wednesday, 3rd December,
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Three Betting Tips for The Ashes Second Test
Tip 1: Top Home Batsman - Marnus Labuschagne - 0.5 point
Best odds of 9/2 available on Paddy Power while publishing.
Choosing Marnus Labuschagne as Australia’s top run-scorer at the Gabba may raise eyebrows given the presence of Steve Smith and Travis Head, but the numbers make a compelling case. All three boast outstanding records at the venue:
Steve Smith: 926 runs in 19 innings (Avg: 54.47, HS: 141*)
Travis Head: 521 runs in 9 innings (Avg: 57.88, HS: 152)
Marnus Labuschagne: 510 runs in 12 innings (Avg: 51.00, HS: 185)
Labuschagne’s technique, temperament, and comfort on this surface make him a strong contender. He thrives when conditions demand discipline, and with the pink ball likely to test batters early, his solidity gives him a genuine edge.
Tip 2: Top Away Batsman - Ollie Pope - 1 point
Best odds of 7/1 available on Paddy Power while publishing.
Ollie Pope was England’s standout performer in the first Test, top-scoring and looking the most assured on a difficult wicket. Alongside Jamie Smith, he appeared to be the only batter capable of handling Australia’s relentless pace attack.
However, it’s worth noting that Pope’s record in day-night Tests is underwhelming: 132 runs in 8 innings at an average of just 16.5, with a high score of 49. Even so, his recent form and confidence make him England’s best chance of topping their scoring charts in this second Test.
Tip 3: Top Home Bowler - Mitchell Starc - 1.5 point
Best odds of 7/4 available on Unibet while publishing
Few bowlers have dominated the Gabba like Mitchell Starc. His record speaks for itself. Starc has picked 47 wickets with an average of 28.93 at Gabba and is the third highest wicket-taker at Gabba.
If Pat Cummins returns to the XI, the pair may share the workload, but Cummins is coming off an injury whereas Starc is already in rhythm and bowling with serious heat. Under lights with a pink ball—a scenario built for left-arm swing, Starc remains Australia’s most dangerous weapon and a deserved pick for top home bowler.
Second Ashes Test Bet Builder - 0.25pt stake advised.
Top Home Batsman - Marnus Labuschagne
Top Home Bowler - Mitchell Starc
Top Away Batsman - Ollie Pope
Best odds of 96.5/1 available on bet365 while publishing.
Australia vs England Second Ashes Test Schedule
Daily Schedule (Dec 4–8, 2025)
First ball: 04:00 AM (GMT)
Lunch break: ~ 06:00 AM (GMT) — 40-minute interval
Second session: ~ 06:40 AM–08:40 AM (GMT)
Tea break: ~ 08:40 AM (GMT) — 20-minute interval
Final session / Stumps: ~ 09:00 AM–11:00 AM (GMT) — could extend by extra 30 minutes if overs remain.
