Brisbane's Gabba is set for a captivating second day of Ashes cricket, with the first Test hanging in the balance following a stellar batting display from England's Joe Root on Day 1. The match promises more fireworks as Australia looks to strike back after a challenging start marked by criticism of their bowling stocks.
Australia's Bowling Line-Up Under Fire
Former England cricketer and BBC commentator Jonathan Agnew delivered a scathing assessment of Australia's attack, labelling it a "second division" line-up with the exception of veteran paceman Mitchell Starc. Agnew pointed to the absence of key players as a major factor in the team's perceived vulnerability.
"Mitchell Starc is brilliant, a world-class bowler. The rest of it is really second division and it looked it," Agnew said. "It's not what they are used to doing. We know Australia are vulnerable, their batting and bowling is vulnerable."
The Australian XI for the Gabba Test is without captain Pat Cummins and first-choice seamer Josh Hazlewood due to injury, while experienced spinner Nathan Lyon was dropped. The bowling duties fall to Starc, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett.
Root's Heroics and Over Rate Concerns
England's fortunes were revived by former captain Joe Root, whose batting heroics on the opening day wrestled momentum back for the tourists. His performance has set the stage for a tightly contested match as play resumes.
Australia faces an additional challenge off the field, with the team needing to clean up England's batting quickly on Day 2 to avoid a serious penalty for a slow over rate. The issue drew criticism from spectators as the first day's play dragged towards its conclusion.
How to Catch All the Action
Fans won't miss a moment of the enthralling contest, with every ball of the Ashes series broadcast live and free across Australia. The action on Day 2 kicks off at the following local times:
- Sydney, Melbourne: 2pm live on Channel 7, 7mate and 7plus Sport
- Brisbane: 1pm live on Channel 7, 7mate and 7plus Sport
- Adelaide: 1.30pm live on Channel 7, 7mate and 7plus Sport
- Perth: 11am live on Channel 7, 7mate and 7plus Sport
The first ball is scheduled for 2pm AEST (3pm AEDT). With the series poised delicately, Day 2 at the Gabba is set to be an unmissable chapter in this historic rivalry.
