Australia Crushes England by 8 Wickets in Ashes Opener at The Gabba
Australia didn't just win the first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series—they dismantled England, chasing down 164 with ease and leaving the tourists shell-shocked at The Gabba in Brisbane. On November 21-22, 2025, the hosts secured an emphatic 8-wicket victory, earning 12 crucial World Test Championship points while England walked away with zero. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. And it came after a day of brutal collapse, razor-thin reviews, and a batting performance that turned pressure into poetry.
First Innings: A Collapse That Set the Tone
Australia’s first innings was a nightmare of early wickets. J Weatherald was bowled for a duck in just two balls by Jofra Archer. M Labuschagne fought for 69 minutes, scoring 9 before falling to the same bowler. Then came the captain, SPD Smith, who looked solid until a sharp outswinger from BA Carse found the edge, caught by HC Brook. By stumps on Day 1, Australia were 123/9. The Ashes seemed to be slipping away—until NM Lyon and B Doggett added 9 runs off the final 10 balls. Australia finished at 132 all out, their lowest total in a home Ashes Test since 2013.England’s Second Innings: From Comfort to Chaos
England, buoyed by a 105/4 lunchtime score, looked set to build a commanding lead. HC Brook was steady at 28, and BA Stokes looked composed. But then came the turning point: Umpire Nitin Menon upheld Australia’s review in the 27.1 over, dismissing JL Smith lbw. It was the first of two successful reviews that day—and the second, at 25.5, had already denied England a wicket. The momentum shifted. England lost their next four wickets for 24 runs. The eighth-wicket pair of AAP Atkinson and BA Carse fought valiantly, adding 50 in just 34 balls, but it wasn’t enough. England were bowled out for 164 in 34.4 overs. The dream of a 200+ lead? Gone.Chasing History: Smith’s Calm, Australia’s Precision
When Australia walked out to chase 165, the crowd was electric. No one expected a chase to be this simple. But SPD Smith and M Labuschagne didn’t just bat—they controlled. Labuschagne, who’d been dismissed for 9 in the first innings, came back with a 58-ball 47, his calmness a balm after the earlier chaos. SPD Smith anchored the innings with 72 not out, his 11 boundaries coming with surgical precision. By the 28.2 over, the target was reached. Two wickets down. No drama. No panic. Just dominance.
The Review That Broke England
The two successful reviews by Australia weren’t just technical wins—they were psychological blows. The dismissal of JL Smith, initially given not out, was overturned after a close inspection of the ball-tracking. That single decision turned a potential 150/4 into 164 all out. England’s middle order, already fragile, lost its nerve. By the time the last wicket fell, the air in The Gabba had turned from tense to triumphant. The umpire’s decisions didn’t just change the match—they exposed England’s lack of resilience under pressure.Australia’s Ashes Legacy: A Dynasty in Motion
This win extends Australia’s dominance in home Ashes series. Since 2006-07, they’ve won 8 of the last 10. This isn’t luck. It’s culture. It’s preparation. It’s the unspoken understanding that at The Gabba, the pitch favors pace, the crowd roars, and the home team thrives. England, by contrast, look disjointed. Their top order, once feared, crumbled under scrutiny. Their captain, BA Stokes, looked out of rhythm. And their bowling, despite Archer’s early strike, lacked the bite needed to break a resilient Australian side.
What’s Next: Adelaide Awaits
The second Test begins on November 26, 2025, at the Adelaide Oval. The pitch there is traditionally more balanced, offering spin and seam later in the game. Australia will likely bring in a second spinner, while England must decide whether to stick with Archer or bring back a specialist all-rounder. One thing’s clear: England need a miracle. And Australia? They’re just getting started.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Australia’s review system impact the outcome of the match?
Australia’s two successful DRS reviews—particularly the overturning of JL Smith’s not-out decision at 27.1 overs—directly triggered England’s collapse from 105/4 to 164 all out. Those decisions not only removed key batsmen but shattered England’s confidence, exposing their inability to handle pressure under technology-assisted scrutiny.
Why is this Ashes series result significant for Australia’s World Test Championship standing?
Australia earned 12 points from this win, the maximum possible, boosting their position near the top of the World Test Championship table. With only five Tests in the series, each win is worth 12 points—so this result gives them a massive early lead over England, who now trail by 12 points after just one match.
What role did The Gabba play in Australia’s victory?
The Gabba’s fast, bouncy pitch favored Australia’s pace attack and allowed their batsmen to score quickly in the second innings. With a 42,000-capacity crowd roaring behind them, the home team thrived under pressure, while England’s slower, more technical approach struggled to adapt to the pace and bounce.
How does this result compare to past Ashes openers in Brisbane?
Australia have won the first Test in Brisbane in 7 of the last 9 Ashes series. This 8-wicket win matches the margin of their 2017 victory and is their largest by wickets in a Brisbane Ashes opener since 2006. Historically, Brisbane is a fortress—this result reinforces that legacy.
What are the key weaknesses exposed in England’s team after this loss?
England’s top order lacks consistency under pressure, with only HC Brook showing composure. Their spin options are underdeveloped, and their lower middle order collapsed without a plan. Most critically, their reliance on Jofra Archer as the sole strike bowler was exposed—when he was contained, the rest couldn’t step up.
Who are the players to watch in the second Test at Adelaide Oval?
Australia’s SPD Smith and M Labuschagne are in form, while spinner NM Lyon will be crucial on Adelaide’s turning track. For England, BA Stokes must rediscover his batting rhythm, and debutant AAP Atkinson will be under pressure to deliver with both bat and ball.