England Avoids Innings Defeat, Secures Lead on Day 4 of Second Ashes Test

At the Gabba, England managed to avoid an innings defeat and gain a crucial lead on the fourth day of the second Ashes Test. Resuming their innings at 134 for 6, needing 43 runs to stay afloat, captain Ben Stokes and Will Jacks held firm to push the score forward. By the tea break, the pair lifted England to a 16-run lead, with Stokes unbeaten on 36 and Jacks on 25.

Earlier, Zak Crawley contributed 44, Ollie Pope scored 26, while Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook each added 15. Jamie Smith fell for 4.

Australia had built heavy pressure with a commanding first-innings total of 511, securing a 177-run lead. On the third day, they resumed at 378 for 6 but lost Michael Neser early for 16. Alex Carey scored 63, while Mitchell Starc produced a career-best knock of 77. Scott Boland remained not out on 21. Other notable contributions included Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), captain Steve Smith (61), Cameron Green (45), Travis Head (33), and Josh Inglis (23).

For England, Brydon Carse claimed four wickets, Stokes took three, while Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Will Jacks picked up one each.

England had been dismissed for 334 in their first innings, anchored by Joe Root’s unbeaten 138. Australia’s bowling attack was led by Mitchell Starc with six wickets, while Neser, Brendan Doggett, and Boland shared one apiece.