Ashes 2nd Test: Test of England’s mentality as Brisbane set to witness an epic encounter

England are bringing in Will Jacks for the 2nd Test, and that selection makes sense to me.  In fact, in my first Ashes preview, I had included Will Jacks in my XI because I prefer the  balance he brings. Even though he is essentially a part-time spin option, the mere  presence of a spinner adds variety and flexibility, especially when the seam attack is  missing someone like Mark Wood, who is out and unavailable. Shoaib Bashir not bowling  as well as he would like also justifies this switch, and overall I think it is a fair change.  

The only slight concern is Jacks batting at number eight, which is not an ideal spot for  someone considered a main batting all-rounder. However, given his aggressive style, if he  ends up batting with the tail he can still score quickly, so the team can live with that  compromise. Although I am not a huge fan of having a frontline batting all-rounder so low  down, the rationale behind the decision is understandable, especially in the aftermath of  the first Test match. 

England’s main focus has to be their mentality. By their own admission, they reached a  strong position in Perth but could not follow it through. This is something that has  happened to them before. Sometimes it feels as though England get carried away trying to  not just beat the opposition but dominate or humiliate them, when all they need to do is  win the game. Against stronger opponents like India or Australia, offering even the smallest  lifeline can be costly because these teams will take advantage immediately. In this series,  if England find themselves in a strong position again, their ability to navigate those crucial  game situations will be the decisive factor. That, to me, is the crux of whether England can  actually go on and win the Ashes. 

One of the key moments that slipped away from them came at lunchtime on the second  day in Perth. They were effectively 100 for 1, a platform from which they could have  controlled the Test. Instead, they allowed the door to reopen. They must operate at a  smarter, steadier level during those fluctuating periods of play. Under Stokes and  McCullum, England have improved significantly in this regard against both weaker and  stronger sides. Their “refined Bazball,” as I’ve called it, has become less predictable. They  manage tricky situations more tactfully and do not always show their intentions so overtly.  But in Perth, on that crucial second day, they slipped back into old habits, and it cost them  a genuine opportunity to go 1-0 up—especially given Australia were missing several key  players.

I also see the thought process behind England choosing to remain in Brisbane rather than  heading to Canberra for a warm-up match. While I personally would have preferred that  some players got time in the middle, I understand the argument. Conditions in Brisbane  are different—humid, hot, physically sapping—and acclimatising to them has value.  Whether that decision proves correct remains to be seen, but I get the logic.  

The focus will also be on Ben Stokes’ captaincy — how he manages and navigates  conditions that can fluctuate through the day and into the evening. Those shifts could  ultimately dictate England’s scoring rate and shape a range of tactical decisions. 

Despite losing the match inside two days, England will feel they took something  meaningful from that opening Test. They pushed Australia back in the first innings and  exposed a real vulnerability in the Australian batting line-up. When England were on top, Australia looked fragile. Sustaining that pressure will be a significant factor in determining  how this five-Test series unfolds. 

Even with all the disappointment surrounding a two-day defeat, England will quietly  recognise signs of concern within the Australian camp about how the first day unfolded.  England will also believe that one or two of their bowlers—perhaps even a few—could gain  the upper hand if they perform exceptionally throughout the series.  

There is also plenty of pressure on Zak Crawley, which forms an interesting subplot. He has  been built up as someone suited to Australian conditions, someone who can take a game  away very quickly. This next Test will be massive for him. Joe Root remains England’s key  player, and Australia will continue targeting him relentlessly. Still, England do have the  resources to hurt Australia if they perform at their best. For Crawley and the rest of  England’s batters, the key is to respect the early overs, settle in, and properly assess  conditions, which can differ significantly from ground to ground. There’s nothing wrong  with trying to impose yourself on the opposition, but only after you’re fully comfortable with  what the conditions are offering. 

Much of the media coverage has been negative toward England, and understandably so— they brought that upon themselves with the way they collapsed. Yet there is also a positive  side: this team does have the players and depth to turn things around. Whether they  actually do it is another matter, and they must do it in Brisbane.  

For Australia, the loss of Usman Khawaja is significant. If I were making the call, I would  open with Josh Inglis and leave Travis Head at number five. Although Head scored a match winning hundred, over a five-Test stretch I believe he has more impact in the middle order. 

England would be happier facing him at the top, where the new ball increases the chances  of removing him early. Keeping him at five preserves a potent threat later in the innings.  Opening with Inglis would make the top order look inexperienced alongside Jake Weatherald, but it may be the better long-term structure. 

Marnus Labuschagne’s fifty was crucial for him at the start of the series, though Australia’s  batting still appears vulnerable. They also might consider bringing in someone like Beau  Webster for extra middle-order solidity and another bowling option. Australia, on the other  hand, have enough bowling even if Cummins fails to make it to the XI. Boland, Starc—who  is outstanding in day-night Tests—Doggett, and Nathan Lyon form a strong unit. Lyon  should have more impact moving forward. With both Lyon and Jacks in the Test, their roles  may revolve around bowling dry spells, giving the quicks rest, and guiding the innings into  twilight when conditions assist seam movement. 

Australia will still feel slightly nervous about facing England’s pace attack again, especially  in Brisbane, where the pitch offers pace, swing and movement. It is a tricky place to begin  an innings, and England’s bowlers could enjoy those conditions. 

Overall, the series now carries a sense of excitement. England have the resources and  personnel to turn things around quickly, even within the space of two Tests. If they can get  their mentality right, we could be in for an outstanding Test match—maybe not one that  lasts all five days, but one that delivers drama, intensity and a genuine fightback  opportunity.