England have confirmed their playing XI for the second Ashes Test against Australia, starting 4 December at the Gabba, Brisbane. After a disappointing defeat in the first Test at Perth, Ben Stokes’ side has made one major change in the lineup, bringing in all-rounder Will Jacks in place of injured fast bowler Mark Wood.
The Gabba Test will be a day-night (pink-ball) match, making the encounter even more challenging for the visiting side. Australia currently lead the five-match series 1–0.
Will Jacks Returns to Test Cricket After 3 Years
Will Jacks, the 27-year-old all-rounder, has been recalled to the Test team nearly three years after his debut series in Pakistan in 2022. He impressed on that tour, picking up 6 wickets in his debut Test at Rawalpindi and scoring 89 runs across two matches.
However, inconsistent form and injuries kept him away from the red-ball side since 2022. Jacks has played only five first-class matches in the last two seasons, but England’s leadership believes his batting depth and part-time spin could strengthen the middle order in Gabba conditions.
Why Mark Wood Misses Out
Senior fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out due to a left knee issue. He bowled only 11 overs in the first Test at Perth, where England suffered a heavy defeat inside two days. With Wood unavailable and the batting failing badly in both innings, the team decided to field a more balanced side with eight batting options.
England Strengthen Batting for the Pink-Ball Test
England struggled with the bat in Perth, failing to cross 40 overs in either innings. The inclusion of Will Jacks provides an extra batting option, while also giving England a spin alternative under floodlights—where conditions often favour seam, but a balanced attack remains crucial.
Australia have an impressive record in day-night Tests, winning 13 out of 14 matches. England, on the other hand, have not won a Test in Australia since 2011 and have lost all three of their pink-ball Tests down under.
England Playing XI for 2nd Test (Gabba, Brisbane)
No.
Player
Role
1
Zak Crawley
Batter
2
Ben Duckett
Batter
3
Ollie Pope
Batter
4
Joe Root
Batter
5
Harry Brook
Batter
6
Ben Stokes (C)
All-rounder
7
Jamie Smith (WK)
Wicket-keeper
8
Will Jacks
All-rounder
9
Gus Atkinson
Fast Bowler
10
Brydon Carse
Fast Bowler
11
Jofra Archer
Fast Bowler
Match Details
Fixture: Australia vs England, 2nd Test, Ashes 2025
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
Format: Day-Night (Pink Ball)
Start Date: 4 December 2025
Series Status: Australia lead 1–0
England enter the Gabba Test under pressure after a crushing loss in the series opener. The inclusion of Will Jacks is a strategic move aimed at improving batting depth and adding spin variety. With Australia dominant in day-night Tests, England will need a significantly improved performance to level the Ashes 2025 series.
