AUS vs ENG 2nd Test Results

10:13 AM IST It's time to hear it from the victorious captain of Australia, Steve Smith, who is all smiles. He says he is pretty chill now. Highlights that the guys toiled hard early on. Adds that the partnership between Stokes and Jacks was frustrating, but also says that they broke it at the right time. Shares that the first two days were pretty even. Says that the game turned for them when they extended those partnerships with the bat. Also highlights that every batter got into double figures. Appreciates the way the tailenders batted for over 50 overs. And also details that to extend that period so that they could bowl under lights was a great effort. Admits that it can be a bit tricky with the pink ball but says the guys contributed well overall. Points out that Michael Neser made their batting look a bit longer coming in at number eight. Says he offers something different than the other guys. Appreciates his bowling effort by saying it was pleasing to see him pick up a five-for in front of his home crowd. On Alex Carey's keeping, Smith calls him a freak. Says that the ball just sticks in his hands and he hasn't got any fear of standing up to the pacers as well. He says that this was his best wicket-keeping performance in a long while. About his own catch to dismiss Jacks, Smith says it was tough, especially when you have a pink ball and the lights are on. Admits that he was a bit blinded by Carey, but they needed to break that partnership. Wraps up by telling that the last couple of games were fun and the boys put on some terrific performances and executed the plans well. He then humbly says that he will give the captaincy armband back to Cummins from the next game.

10:11 AM IST Righto, that brings us to a wrap to this second Ashes Test. Australia go 2-0 up in the series, which pushes England back into a must-win territory. They need to win all three remaining Tests to avoid a series defeat, which honestly, looks really challenging given how their batting has struggled so far. And with Pat Cummins ready to don the whites for the Aussies in the next game, the challenge for the tourists will just elevate a notch more. The third Test will be played in Adelaide on Wednesday, 17th December, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 11.30 pm GMT (the previous day). Until then, you can follow the cricketing action from elsewhere. Take care, cheers.

10:03 AM IST Mitchell Starc is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant performance with the ball and bat as well. He picked up 8 wickets in the match, and also scored a pivotal 77 runs with the bat, which helped Australia to get a very strong lead. He starts by expressing his happiness to win two in two and says he cannot ask for more. Shares that they have seen that the pink ball gets softer very early at this venue and reckons that batting and putting runs on the board was a key here. Appreciates the way Neser bowled in front of his home crowd. On his bowling, he says he is trying to bowl as fast as he can and hit the stumps as much as possible. About his batting, he says it was nice to put on a partnership out there. Details that there is a tactical side to the Pink Ball Tests and adds that if you bat longer, it would be great.

9:59 AM IST Captain Steve Smith sends a strong message. He finishes with 23 off just 9 balls, landing another gut-punching blow on England. It got heated towards the end, but all is well that ends well. Handshakes between Steve Smith and Jofra Archer, and the rest of the English players too. A convincing win in Perth followed by total domination in Brisbane gives Australia a strong 2-0 lead in the 2025/26 Ashes. Also, this is Australia's 13th Pink Ball Test win on home soil out of 14 matches. The record just keeps getting better and better for them in the longest format.

9:56 AM IST The English captain, Ben Stokes, now walks up to have a chat and reflects on the defeat. Stokes says that it is a disappointing loss. Adds that a lot of it comes down to not being able to handle the pressure well in this format. Mentions that they have done well in small passages but have let it slip away in both games, which is an area of concern. Says that it is definitely not down to the skill of the players, as they have a lot of quality in the squad. Tells that they have to dig deep and find out what's going wrong and you can live with not being able to execute your plans because no one means to bowl away from the plans. Further adds that Archer and Gus set the tone, but he and Carse let the pressure off, allowing them to score quickly. Says that this has been a constant theme where the Aussies have played better in the pressure moments. Adds that they say Australia is not for weak men, and they are certainly not weak, but need to find a way to do better. Ends by saying that he has full belief in the dressing room, the talents they have and will not go down without a fight in the next three Tests.

9:54 AM IST ... THE PRESENTATION ...