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Ashes 2nd Test: England Wins Toss and Bats in Crucial Pink-Ball Clash

England has won the toss and chosen to bat first in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. Captain Ben Stokes believes batting gives his team the best chance to set up the game after a disappointing first Test. Australia, led by Steve Smith, is confident after a dominant victory in the series opener. This day-night, pink-ball contest presents a unique challenge for both sides under the Brisbane lights.

Key Points: England Bat First After Stokes Wins Toss in Brisbane Ashes Test

  • England aims to post a big first-innings score after losing the series opener
  • Australia enters with confidence after a comprehensive eight-wicket victory
  • The pink ball under lights is expected to offer more assistance to the bowlers
  • Steve Smith confirms Pat Cummins is rested due to a minor injury risk
2 min read

Ashes 2nd Test: England wins toss, opts to bat against Australia

England captain Ben Stokes opts to bat first in the day-night Ashes Test. Australia leads the series after a dominant first Test victory in Brisbane.

"We are gonna have a bat. Different conditions here. You give yourself the best chance when you bat. - Ben Stokes"

Brisbane, December 4

England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat in the second Ashes Test against Australia, which is a day/night, pink-ball contest in Brisbane on Thursday.

Australia are heading into the fixture with a commanding victory by eight wickets in the series opener. The match finished in just two days with a brilliant hundred from Travis Head, and a 10-wicket haul from Mitchell Starc squared off the game for the Aussies.

"We are gonna have a bat. Different conditions here. You give yourself the best chance when you bat. We've had extra time to build up for this game. The guys are raring and ready to go. I'm not too sure (how the wicket is going to play), to be honest. A lot of people look at the wickets and say it's going to this, it's going to do that, but you never really know till you get out there. We have an opportunity to put some runs on the board first up. (Biggest week of his captaincy career?) Certainly, we are coming in here on the back of a disappointing week last week, hopefully, we right those wrongs," Ben Stokes said after winning the toss.

"If you bat well, you get a chance to manipulate the game. Hopefully, we can bowl well. (On Cummins) He was close, he's done everything right. It would have been slightly risky in this game. (Inglis' batting position) He'll be batting in the middle order. Neser is in for Lyon. With the pink ball, it's going to offer a bit more under lights. We've done well in the past; it's a new game. It's going to be a great atmosphere," Australia captain Steve Smith said.

Teams: England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer. Australia (Playing XI): Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey(w), Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Interesting to see Neser in for Lyon. Australia's pace attack looks even more lethal now, especially with the pink ball. Starc and Boland under lights will be a nightmare for any batter. England will need a Root special.
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Arjun K
After that 2-day thrashing, England had to do something different. Batting first is a statement of intent. But honestly, their batting lineup looks shaky. Missing Bairstow's aggression in the middle. Smith's captaincy will be tested without Cummins.
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Priya S
Good to see Jofra Archer back! His pace vs Head and Labuschagne will be the key contest. Hope the pitch has something for everyone. A one-sided series is no fun for us neutrals. Let's hope for a proper five-day fight! 🤞
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think England are making a mistake. The Gabba pitch with a pink ball? Batting last here could be a disaster. They needed to back their bowlers to exploit the conditions first up. This feels like a panic move after the first Test.
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Michael C
Travis Head is in the form of his life. If England don't get him early, he'll take the game away again. The battle between him and Archer is what I'm tuning in for. Great to have day/night Tests, makes watching from India much easier!

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