by The morning sun cast long shadows across The Gabba’s lush green outfield. The stadium buzzed with 42,000 Australian fans, their voices rising in anticipation.
England had won the toss. Captain Ben Stokes chose to bat first. Confidence? Maybe. But within an hour, that confidence shattered into pieces.
Mitchell Starc strode in from the Vulture Street End. His first over was a statement—pace, swing, aggression.
The second over brought disaster for England. Ben Duckett, trying to leave a delivery, watched helplessly as it clipped his outside edge. Gone for 8 runs.
The crowd erupted. The noise was deafening. Starc wasn’t finished.
Ollie Pope walked in nervously. Three balls later, another edge. Another catch. Another wicket for Starc.
Pope didn’t even trouble the scorers—out for a golden duck. England: 32 for 2 after just 8 overs.
Now Zak Crawley stands on 25, fighting hard, sweat beading on his forehead. Joe Root has just arrived, carrying England’s hopes on his legendary shoulders.
But the Gabba pitch is doing tricks. The ball is bouncing. Seaming. Swinging. And Australia’s pacers smell blood.
Australia vs England Ashes 2nd Test Day 1 Odds & Prediction
This Australia vs England Ashes 2nd Test Day 1 Odds & Prediction on 04 Dec 2025 guide explains why Australia dominates, what England must do to survive, and how this dramatic day will unfold.
Match Overview: Key Facts
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | The Ashes 2025-26 |
| Match | 2nd Test |
| Series Status | Australia leads 1-0 |
| Date | Thursday, December 4, 2025 |
| Time (Local) | 02:00 PM (Day match) |
| Time (IST) | 09:30 AM |
| Time (GMT) | 04:00 AM |
| Venue | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| Toss | England won, chose to bat |
| Current Score | England 32/2 (8 overs) |
| Batters at Crease | Zak Crawley 25*, Joe Root 7* |
| Wickets Fallen | Duckett (8), Pope (0) |
| Bowler on Fire | Mitchell Starc (2 wickets) |
Australia vs England Ashes 2nd Test Day 1 Prediction: What Will Happen Today?
Based on the current situation, pitch conditions, and team form, here’s our prediction for Day 1:
England’s Day 1 Predictions:
- Most Likely Score: 180-220 all out
- Best Case Scenario: 250-280 all out (requires Root century)
- Worst Case Scenario: 150-180 all out (complete collapse)
- Wickets Likely Lost Today: 8-9 wickets
- Key Partnership Needed: Crawley + Root must add 100+ runs
Why England Will Struggle:
- Already lost 2 wickets in first hour (bad start)
- The Gabba pitch offers steep bounce (batters are uncomfortable)
- Starc in devastating form (10 wickets in 1st Test)
- Australia’s pace attack is relentless (Starc, Boland, Doggett)
- England’s batting average this series: just 26.8 per wicket
- Psychological damage from 8-wicket Perth loss still fresh
Australia’s Day 1 Targets:
- Excellent Performance: Bowl England out for under 200 runs
- Good Performance: Get 8-9 wickets, restrict to 200-230
- Acceptable Performance: Take 6-7 wickets, England reach 230-260
Why Australia Will Dominate:
- Playing at The Gabba (their fortress—54.9% win rate)
- Starc already has 2 wickets today (12 total in series)
- Pitch suits fast bowling perfectly (68% wickets to pace historically)
- Home crowd support creates pressure on England
- Bowling depth is strong despite injuries (Cummins, Hazlewood out)
Day 1 End Prediction:
By stumps today (6:00 PM local time), we expect:
- England: 195/8 or 215 all out
- Australia: If England bowled out, they might bat 5-10 overs
Betting Odds Explained: Why Australia Are Huge Favorites
Let’s break down what bookmakers are saying about this match:
| Betting Site | Australia Win | England Win | Draw | First Innings Lead (AUS) | First Innings Lead (ENG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 1.40 | 3.10 | 8.50 | 1.75 | 2.20 |
| Stake | 1.37 | 2.90 | 8.25 | 1.70 | 2.10 |
| BetVibe | 1.38 | 2.95 | 8.40 | 1.72 | 2.12 |
| 4RABET | 1.35 | 3.00 | 8.20 | 1.68 | 2.05 |
What Do These Numbers Mean?
Australia Win Odds (1.35-1.40):
In simple words, bookies believe Australia has a 70-75% chance of winning. If you bet ₹100 on Australia and they win, you only get ₹135-140 back. Why so low? Because everyone expects Australia to win easily.
England Win Odds (2.90-3.10):
England gets just 25-30% of wins. If you bet ₹100 on England and they shock the world, you get ₹290-310 back. Higher money because it’s unlikely to be upset.
Why Are Odds So One-Sided?
- ✅ Australia won the 1st Test by 8 wickets (dominant victory)
- ✅ England already struggling at 32/2 (proves bookies right)
- ✅ The Gabba is Australia’s fortress (28 wins vs England’s 8 in history)
- ✅ Mitchell Starc unstoppable (10 wickets in Perth, 2 more today)
- ✅ Australia’s recent form is amazing (4 wins in last 5 Tests)
- ✅ England’s batting is fragile (averaging just 26.8 per wicket)
First Innings Lead Odds:
Notice Australia favored even for just the first innings (1.68-1.75 vs 2.05-2.20). This means bookies expect Australia to outscore England in the first innings itself!
Top Players to Watch on Day 1: Star Performers
Mitchell Starc (Australia – Fast Bowler)
Why He’s Key Today:
- Already taken 2 wickets this morning (Duckett, Pope)
- Took 10 wickets in 1st Test (7/58 + 3/55)
- Total series wickets: 12 in just 1.5 Tests
- Left-arm swing creates problems for right-hand batters
Career Stats:
- 385 Test wickets at 3.02 economy
- Average vs England: 23.8 runs per wicket
- At The Gabba: 28 wickets at 24.3 average
Prediction: Will take 4-5 wickets today
Joe Root (England – Batter)
Why He’s Key Today:
- Currently batting on 7* (England’s only hope)
- England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer
- Must score 100+ for England to reach 250+
Career Stats:
- 13,543 Test runs at 51.29 average
- 39 Test centuries (class player)
- At The Gabba: 36.2 average (struggles here)
- vs Australia: 47.3 average (decent but not dominant)
Prediction: Will score 40-60 before getting out
Travis Head (Australia – Batter)
Why He’s Key When Australia Bats:
- Scored brilliant 123 in 1st Test (match-winner)
- Aggressive batter who attacks from ball one
- In red-hot form (58.8 average in last 5 Tests)
Career Stats:
- 3,963 Test runs at 41.71 average
- Strike rate: 76.4 (scores fast)
- vs England in Australia: 58.4 average
Prediction: Will score 50+ if England’s total is under 220
Ben Stokes (England – All-rounder)
Why He’s Key Today:
- Captain under pressure (0-1 down in series)
- Took brilliant 5/23 bowling in 1st Test
- Can rescue innings with bat (7,032 Test runs)
Career Stats:
- 230 Test wickets at 3.21 economy
- 7,032 Test runs at 35.82 average
- Leadership skills crucial in crisis
Prediction: Will score 30-40 today, try to stabilize innings
Steve Smith (Australia – Batter)
Why He’s Key When Australia Bats:
- Captain, legend, 10,477 Test runs
- Loves The Gabba (58.4 average here)
- vs England in Australia: 62.1 average (dominates)
Career Stats:
- 36 Test centuries (elite)
- 4th highest active Test average (56.02)
- Last 10 Tests: 548 runs at 45.6 average
Prediction: Will score 60-80 if he bats today
Pitch Report: The Gabba’s Challenge
| Pitch Factor | Day 1 Conditions | Impact on Batting | Impact on Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Type | Hard, fresh, green-tinged | Very difficult | Perfect for pace |
| Bounce | Steep (2.8m average height) | Uncomfortable, risky | Extra bounce helps |
| Seam Movement | 1.8° average deviation | The ball moves sideways | Dream conditions |
| Pace | Fast, carries to the keeper | Must watch carefully | High speeds possible |
| Batting Difficulty | EXTREME (68% wickets to pace) | Survival mode needed | Bowlers dominate |
| Best Time to Bat | Day 2-3 (pitch settles) | Much easier later | Less help for bowlers |
| Strategy for Batters | Defend, leave, be patient | Can’t attack early | – |
| Strategy for Bowlers | Attack stumps, use bounce | – | Bowl full length |
Simple Explanation:
Day 1 at The Gabba is a nightmare for batters. The ball bounces high. Moves sideways. Fast pace. Batters feel uncomfortable. Bowlers love it. This is why England is struggling at 32/2.
Weather Report: Perfect for Cricket
| Weather Element | Forecast Today | Impact on Match |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 28°C (82°F) | Warm but comfortable |
| Sky | 30% clouds (partly cloudy) | Some swing for bowlers |
| Humidity | 55% | Helps ball swing |
| Wind | 12-15 km/h (gentle breeze) | Minimal effect |
| Rain Chance | 10-15% (very low) | Full day expected |
| UV Index | 10 (Very High) | Players need hydration |
Good News: No rain expected. Full day’s play guaranteed (90 overs). Perfect conditions for cricket.
AUS vs ENG 2nd Test Day 1 Playing 11: Team Lineups
Australia Playing XI:
| No. | Player | Role | Form/Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Usman Khawaja | Opener | Experienced, solid |
| 2 | Jake Weatherald | Opener | Replaces the injured player |
| 3 | Marnus Labuschagne | Top-order | 51 runs in 1st Test |
| 4 | Steve Smith (c) | Middle-order | Captain, 10,477 Test runs |
| 5 | Travis Head | Middle-order | 123 runs in 1st Test |
| 6 | Cameron Green | All-rounder | Batting + bowling depth |
| 7 | Alex Carey (wk) | Wicketkeeper | Lower-order runs |
| 8 | Mitchell Starc | Fast bowler | 12 series wickets so far |
| 9 | Nathan Lyon | Off-spinner | 562 Test wickets |
| 10 | Brendan Doggett | Fast bowler | 5 wickets in 1st Test |
| 11 | Scott Boland | Fast bowler | 4 wickets in 2nd innings |
Missing Players: Pat Cummins (injured), Josh Hazlewood (injured)
Team Strength: Batting average 38.4, Bowling average 28.2 (last 5 Tests)
England Playing XI:
| No. | Player | Role | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zak Crawley | Opener | Batting: 25* |
| 2 | Ben Duckett | Opener | OUT (Starc) – 8 runs |
| 3 | Ollie Pope | Top-order | OUT (Starc) – 0 runs |
| 4 | Joe Root | Middle-order | Batting: 7* |
| 5 | Harry Brook | Middle-order | 52 runs in 1st Test |
| 6 | Ben Stokes (c) | All-rounder | Captain, 5/23 bowling |
| 7 | Jacob Bethell | Middle-order | Young talent |
| 8 | Will Jacks | All-rounder | Batting depth |
| 9 | Gus Atkinson | Fast bowler | Scored 37 last match |
| 10 | Jofra Archer | Fast bowler | Pace weapon, 51 wickets |
| 11 | Brydon Carse | Fast bowler | 5 wickets in 1st Test |
Team Weakness: Batting average just 26.8 (last 5 Tests), already lost 2 wickets
AUS vs ENG 2nd Ashes Test Today Match Prediction: Complete Analysis
Using all long-tail keywords naturally, here’s our complete day prediction:
For the AUS vs ENG 2nd Test Match Prediction:
Australia will dominate Day 1 completely. England’s early collapse (32/2) confirms all fears. Mitchell Starc is bowling like a man possessed. The pitch is helping fast bowlers perfectly. England needs Root and Crawley to bat 40+ overs together just to reach 200.
Realistic Day 1 Scenarios:
Scenario 1 (60% Probability):
- England bowled out for 180-210
- Root scores 50-60, Crawley adds 40-50
- Australia bats 5-10 overs before stumps
- Australia 25/0 or 35/1 at day’s end
Scenario 2 (25% Probability):
- England reaches 220-250 (fighting total)
- Root scores 80-100, one of Stokes/Brook supports
- England still batting at stumps (250/7)
Scenario 3 (15% Probability):
- England collapses completely for 150-180
- No partnerships develop after Root gets out
- Australia starts batting, reaches 40-50 without loss
Key Factors Deciding Day 1:
✅ Can Root survive Starc’s spell? (Most important) ✅ Will Crawley convert 25 into 50+? (Crucial) ✅ Can Stokes provide middle-order support? (Needed badly) ✅ Will Australia’s pace trio stay fit? (No injury concerns)
Expected Wickets Distribution:
- Mitchell Starc: 4-5 wickets total today
- Scott Boland: 2-3 wickets
- Brendan Doggett: 2-3 wickets
- Nathan Lyon: 0-1 wickets (spinners don’t help Day 1)
Final Verdict: Australia’s Day from Start to Finish
The Australia vs England Ashes 2nd Test Day 1 Odds & Prediction on 04 Dec 2025 couldn’t be clearer—this is Australia’s day, Australia’s match, and likely Australia’s series.
England’s decision to bat first looked brave, but it has backfired badly. At 32 for 2 after 8 overs, they’re in survival mode.
Mitchell Starc has set the tone with 2 early wickets. The Gabba pitch is doing everything Australia hoped for—bouncing, seaming, terrorizing English batters.
Joe Root and Zak Crawley must now produce something special. Root needs to play one of his greatest innings (100+ runs).
Crawley must convert his 25 into 70-80. Even then, England might only reach 230-250—barely competitive on this pitch.
Australia’s bowling attack is relentless. Starc, Boland, and Doggett will hunt wickets all day.
When Australia bats (probably late today or tomorrow morning), Travis Head and Steve Smith will cash in on a pitch that gets easier for batting.
The betting odds (Australia 1.35-1.40, England 2.90-3.10) tell the story perfectly. Bookmakers give Australia 75% winning chance.
The crowd at The Gabba roars with every dot ball, every appeal, every wicket. They sense another crushing victory coming.
For England, this is a desperate time. For Australia, it’s celebration time. The Ashes 2025-26 is slipping away from England with every passing over.
Day 1 will likely end with England all out for under 220, Australia in control, and the series effectively decided.
The numbers, the odds, the pitch, the weather, the form—everything points one way. Australia marches toward a 2-0 series lead!
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