The Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes leads England's fight on day four against Australia

Ben Stokes led from the front as England took a slender 16-run lead over Australia in the second Ashes Test at Brisbane's Gabba ground on day four. The visitors, who were struggling at 134-6 after a dismal third evening, showed remarkable resilience and adaptability to bat through the first session, defying Australia's frontline seamers.

Stokes, ever the inspiration, set an example for his teammates with a watchful unbroken partnership of 65 with number eight Will Jacks. The seventh-wicket duo compiled England's longest partnership of the series so far, hanging in there against Australia's bowlers to reach 193-6 by stumps.

The first session across two Tests without a wicket was just what England needed to alter their approach and take control of the match. Stokes' determination, reminiscent of his epic innings at Headingley in 2019, mirrored the team's stoic resolve in batting through the session.

Australia, on the other hand, were forced to work harder for their wickets as they turned to part-time bowlers Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne to bowl an over each before lunch. The visitors' frontline seamers repelled England with relative ease, but the hosts would be facing a second new pink ball in the second session, which could pose a different challenge.

Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin warned that Ben Stokes is now familiar with the Brisbane pitch and will be difficult to get out of his rhythm. Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook also expressed confidence that Stokes can turn the match around for his team. Meanwhile, former bowler Steven Finn praised England's coach Brendon McCullum for his tactical approach, saying it was stoic and dogged, with clear game plan but not sitting ducks.

With Australia requiring their second innings, England will be looking to build on this solid foundation to secure a vital win in the Ashes series.

I'm loving how Stokes is taking charge and setting an example for his teammates . That unbroken partnership with Will Jacks was pure gold - 65 runs is no joke, especially against Australia's frontline bowlers . It's clear that England's approach has shifted gears, and their determination is starting to pay off .

The fact that Australia had to bring in part-time bowlers just to get wickets is a testament to Stokes' resilience - he's like a rock . And now, with the introduction of the second pink ball, it'll be interesting to see how England adapts and capitalizes on this change ️.

I also appreciate Brendon McCullum's tactical approach - stoic and dogged, just like his players . It's not always easy to adjust mid-match, but if anyone can pull off a turnaround, it's Stokes and company . Bring it on!

I'm loving how Ben Stokes is leading by example out there . He's got some serious clout with that unbroken partnership with Will Jacks . I mean, who wouldn't want to be out there with Stokes on your side? The way he's inspiring his teammates and showing them how it's done is pure class .

But, let's not get ahead of ourselves here . Australia can still turn this around if they play smart cricket . I'm thinking the introduction of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne as part-time bowlers was a good move . Those guys might just be able to shake things up for England.

It's also got me thinking - how are England going to handle that second new pink ball in the second session? It could definitely pose an interesting challenge for them .

Ben Stokes is like a puzzle - he just fits so well into his team's strategy! His partnership with Will Jacks was , and it showed that England can actually bat for longer periods of time ️. And let's be real, Australia had to get creative with their bowlers because the frontline seamers weren't getting any wickets

I love how Brendon McCullum is all about sticking to a game plan , but not being afraid to adapt . And those Aussies are going to have to do better than that if they want to take control of the match !

OMG u guys! Stokes is literally a lifesaver 4 england he just watched out with Will Jacks and they got 65 runs 2gthr! that's sooo inspiring for his teammates!! i think england needs 2 build on this solid foundation bcos australia still requires 2 score 174 2 wicketz . stokes is defo the man 4 now n i agree wth sirl Alastair Cook, he can turn dis match arond

I'm loving Ben Stokes' leadership skills right now ! He's really stepping up and taking charge. I mean, who else can say they've got 65 runs with Will Jacks and not look like a total mess? The way he's batted through that first session is just so impressive. And I agree with Sir Alastair Cook about Stokes - if anyone can turn this match around for England, it's him! Brendon McCullum must be doing something right with his coaching skills too... like a mastermind or something

I'm so sick of the new pink ball thing . It's like they're trying to change up the rules mid-game or something. I mean, can't we just stick with one ball per innings? And now they're gonna make it even harder by introducing another pink ball in the second session... great job, guys . Also, can someone please explain why Australia has to use part-time bowlers after lunch? It's like they're trying to give England an advantage or something . And I'm loving how Stokes is taking charge out there, but seriously though, can we get some more info on the pitch conditions? Is it really that different from Headingley?

man this Stokes guy is like a superhero on the pitch , always coming out on top when it matters most! he's got that special x-factor that just makes you wanna watch him play more. and i love how he's taking the lead with his teammates, setting an example of how to stay focused under pressure . australia's frontline seamers are struggling to get past england's batsmen, but once they introduce some new faces like labuschagne it's a different story . gotta see what the rest of this match has in store!

I gotta say , Stokes is like the heartbeat of that team right now . The way he batted at Gabba was pure class . He's really shown his mettle as a leader and I'm loving how he's taking control. That partnership with Will Jacks was solid . England needs that kind of resilience to take on Australia and the first session without a wicket was just what they needed . It's gonna be tough for the Aussies now, especially with that new pink ball coming in . I'm loving how Brendon McCullum is taking charge tactically . And let's be real, Brad Haddin's right about Stokes being a nightmare to bowl at . Can't wait for the second session and seeing how this match unfolds

Just watched that match at Gabba ! Stokes is like a rock for his team, you know? He's always been the one to lead from the front and inspire his mates. I love how he and Will Jacks batted together, so calm and focused. It's like they were reading each other's minds out there .

I think what's impressing me most is how England's team has come together to bat through a tough session. They've shown some real grit and determination, just like Stokes has always done. And you're right, Brendon McCullum's tactical approach is spot on – it's clear he's got a plan and his players are sticking to it .

Now, let's see if they can carry this momentum through to the rest of the match . It's going to be a tough ask against Australia, but I've got faith in Stokes and co. They've got some real talent on their team and they're showing signs that they might just pull off an upset .

yaaas ben stokes is a total legend he's been leading from the front all series and his partnership with Will Jacks was everything it's like he's got this unbreakable bond with his teammates and they're feeding off that energy this second session is gonna be super interesting, brisbane pitch can bring out the best (or worst?) in players and ben stokes being familiar with it is a total game-changer gotta keep an eye on the pink ball, though - might just do some unexpected damage fingers crossed for england to pull this one off

OMG I'm LOVING THE WAY BEN STOKES IS PLAYING RIGHT NOW!!! HE'S SUCH A LEADER ON THE FIELD AND IT'S SO COOL TO SEE HIM TAKE CHARGE LIKE THAT. AND ENGLAND'S TEAMMATES ARE DOING SUCH A GREAT JOB SUPPORTING HIM, ESPECIALLY WILL JACKS! IT'S AMAZING HOW THEY'RE MANAGING TO BAT THROUGH THOSE FIRST TWO SESSIONS WITHOUT ANY WICKETS, IT MUST BE SO RELIEVING FOR THEM.

BUT YEAH, I GUESS AUSTRALIA'S GOING TO HAVE TO WORK TWICE AS HARD NOW THAT ENGLAND'S GOT THE UPPER HAND. BRAD HADDIN SAYS BEN STOKES IS NOW ALL TOO FAMILIAR WITH THE BRISEBANE PITCH AND WILL BE SUPER DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF RHYTHM. BUT I DON'T THINK AUSTRALIA'S GOING TO LET THAT STOP THEM!

omg i'm loving ben stokes vibes right now he's literally leading by example and inspiring his teammates to dig deep! 65 runs with will jacks is no joke, and that partnership has given england the momentum they need to take control of this match it's like they're taking cues from the greats, like sir alastair cook's confidence in stokes' abilities or brad haddin's warning about the Brisbane pitch but honestly, i think stokes is just on another level now - that determination and stoic resolve are unshakeable

I'm telling you mate, Ben Stokes is a total legend but, I mean, he's also super predictable - once you know his game, it's easy to prepare for him, innit? The Aussie bowlers are doing everything right, keeping him quiet and making the others look good too . And, honestly, I'm kinda surprised England is in this position without losing more wickets - maybe it's just the pink ball thing, but, yeah, Australia's got some solid back-up bowlers like Head and Labuschagne . Still, you can't rule out Stokes' magic , but, uh, he's not invincible or anything...

I'm loving the vibes of Ben Stokes out there! He's like the ultimate sportsman - always giving it his all and inspiring his teammates . That unbroken partnership with Will Jacks was pure magic . And I've gotta say, Brendon McCullum's coaching approach is spot on - that stoic determination is exactly what England needed to take control of this match . Bring on the pink ball in the second session and let Stokes do his thing! The Ashes series is heating up and I'm all in for some thrilling cricket action .