Ashes Day Two live: Australia bowled out for 132
The opening Test of The Ashes has taken an early twist on day two, with Australia all out for 132 as a chastening morning session left England with a vital lead to chase. The bottom line for Australia is one of frustration: after a promising start to the series, a below-par total has put them on back foot at the Gabba. Yet the day did not end without a glimmer of fight, as Mitchell Starc produced the spell Australia hoped to summon with the ball, striking back and claiming key wickets to keep the hosts in the contest.
Starc’s spell: a glimmer of resistance for Australia
Mitchell Starc’s disciplined spell in the morning session was the standout for Australia, delivering pace, seam movement, and aggressive pressure. In a Test where runs were at a premium, Starc found movement off the pitch and into the batsmen, keeping England’s top order honest as the rest of the attack struggled to find a rhythm. His spell underscored the Australian plan: rely on strike with the new ball, test the edges, and hope for a couple of breakthroughs to swing momentum back in their favor.
Key moments in the Australian innings
- Early wickets that toppled the middle order and created jitters in the England dressing room.
- Consolidation efforts faltered as wickets fell in clusters, a familiar pattern in a testing innings.
- Low boundaries and consistent lines from England’s bowlers made life difficult for the Australians, who failed to build partnerships.
In the end, the 132 all out was a collective collapse rather than a blip, and it gives England a clear platform to press for a sizeable first-innings lead on day two. The challenge for Australia now is to weather the early english bursts and prevent the gap from widening further.
The Lyon moment: hip concerns shadow a veteran bowler’s day
Nathan Lyon, Australia’s go-to spinner, appeared to carry a niggling issue as he batted and then fielded. He looked less agile than usual, struggling to reach a ball in the outfield and showing discomfort when throwing. Post-play observations indicated he was performing stretches and perhaps nursing a hip issue that could affect his workload later in the match. In a series where every player’s fitness is magnified, Lyon’s conditioning will be watched closely as he typically anchors the attack with the ball and in the field.
Impact of Lyon’s fitness on the bowling card
With Lyon possibly hindered, Australia’s balance could hinge on whether the seamers can maintain pressure and whether the other bowlers can step up to support Starc. If Lyon is kept to a lighter role, Australia may need to rely more on the pacers and on any lower-order breakthroughs to keep England’s chase in check.
What this means for the series
The opening Test rarely dictates a five-match arc, but it does set tone. England will be buoyed by a strong start with the bat and the heavy lift required from Australia to peg back the lead. For Australia, there are tactical questions to answer: can they offer a more aggressive field plan, or will they lean on patient, disciplined lines waiting for a moment of fortune? The fitness of Lyon can tilt those equations, particularly if he can bowl long spells or contribute in the field without exacerbating his hip issue.
Looking ahead: momentum shifts and crucial micro-moments
Day two will likely hinge on a handful of micro-moments: a narrow edge found or spared, a miscue that cost extra runs, and the ability to seize momentum when the pitch offers movement. Australia’s focus will be to close the gap quickly and push for a competitive total if they can add 60–80 more with the bat, or at least ensure England does not run away with it in the first innings.
Bottom line
The Ashes opener has delivered a mix of caution and intrigue: a fragile Australian scoreline, a threatening Starc spell, and a tempting subplot in Lyon’s fitness. Day two’s result could hinge on a few decisive moments, and Australia will be hoping so.
