Second test Ashes 2025-26 The series, held at the Gabba in Brisbane, saw both the Australian and English teams take the field wearing black armbands. This gesture, a traditional sign of respect in cricket, drew attention from fans and spectators watching the match. Players from both sides led by captains Ben Stokes and Steve Smith (to stand for Pat Cummins), was observed with a moment of silence on the ground before the first ball was bent.
England and Australia players wear black armbands on Day 1 of pink-ball Test at Reason Why
Robin Smith who passed unexpectedly earlier this week at the age of 62. On December 1, on stage in the South, Smith died suddenly in an apartment. His death sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, as he was admired for his courage and powerful ability to handle some of the fastest bowlers of his generation.
- International career: Smith played 62 Test matches for England between 1988 and 1996, scoring 4236 runs at 43.67 at 43.67. He has 2419 runs, 2419 runs including four centuries in 71 ODI matches.
- Certain moment: His highest Test score of 175 was a gut-wrenching innings against the influential West Indies PACE attack in Antigua in 1994, cementing his reputation as a fearless batsman.
- Local tab: At domestic level, he was an icon for Hampshire, where he scored more than 26,000 first-class runs and captained the side to a major domestic title.
See also: Ashes 2025-26: Mitchell Starc removes Ben Duckett for golden duck on Day 1 of pink-ball Test
Zak Crawley and Joe Root Locer England’s ALL PREPARATION
On the first day of the second Test at the Gabba, Brisbane, England’s batting faced early turbulence when they lost both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope Both for just 5 runs on the board Mitchell Starc. However Zach Crawley and Joe root He made a strong recovery to steady the ship with a strong partnership.
Crawley scored 74 off 74 balls, hitting 57 off 74 balls. Kok, next to him, was not on 32 off 59 balls. They had taken England to 94/2 at the end of the first session together. Despite the early setbacks, the duo’s composure under the pressure of the pink ball was clear and they kept Australia out with steady batting and kept going between the wickets. Both players looked to avoid England from further damage and build a significant partnership in the coming sessions Harry Brook and Ben Stokes yet to come. Australian bowlers, including Starc, Scott Boland and Michael saidwas consistent, but did not have the penetration needed to pass this stage. With a solid batting session ahead, England remained in the hunt for a strong total in this crucial Ashes encounter
See also: Aus vs Eng, Ashes 2025-26: Brisbane weather forecast for pink-ball Test
