Australia vs England – Is this the end for Bazball?

After what turned out to be a disastrous performance in the First Test in Perth, England are in dire need of a positive result as they travel to the Gabba. Mitchell Starc ripped through England’s batters in both innings with a 10 wicket haul, but in reality the batting line up didn’t help themselves. Can ‘Bazball’ finally work in Australia? Or will Australia prevail once again?

After 19 wickets fell on the first day, there were hopes that England could steady the ship in their second innings and build a comprehensive lead. Instead, they made even fewer runs than they did in the first innings, before Australia absolutely dismantled the English bowling line up.

A devastating start to this Ashes series for England, who haven’t won an Ashes Series in Australia since 2011. A similar performance in Brisbane would really mount the pressure on captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendan McCullum and the ‘Bazball’ style of play.

We’re going to examine how the Ashes Second Test might play out. We’ll look at potential changes to line ups, how the pitch may play and the overall chances of both sides earning a victory. Read on to find our Australia vs England prediction.

There was huge anticipation of this Ashes Series, with many cricket fans believing England had a great chance of starting the Series with a win in the opening Test. It’s easy to see where this optimism came from – Australia were without their bowling duo of captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and hopes were high in the England camp that their attacking, swiftbuckling manner of batting these days would tear the Australians apart.

However, Mitchell Starc stepped up and took seven wickets in the first innings, followed by three in the second. Scott Boland was the star bowler of the second innings, taking 4-33 as the England batting line up crumbled.

Travis Head then showed how to bat on the Perth pitch, making 123 off just 69 balls, the second-quickest century in Ashes history.

Australia have a phenomenal record at the Gabba. Of the 66 Tests played here, Australia have won 42 of them. They’ve also got a great record in day/night Tests, winning 13 from 14. England, on the other hand, have a very poor record in Brisbane, winning just twice at this ground since the end of World War 2.

England really need a performance at the Gabba. If the batting line up crumbles once again, Ben Stokes and co could be in for a long, woeful series.

What is the latest team news?

One of the many aspects we’ve looked at in preparing our Australia vs England prediction is potential line ups. Pat Cummins might return for the Second Test as he recovers from the back injury that kept him out of the opener. If Cummins returns, it’s likely that Brendan Doggett will drop out. Opener Usman Khawaja is struggling though, so Australia might have to make further changes to their opening pair.

As for England, there’s talk that opener Zak Crawley will be dropped, but we can’t see this happening. Despite making two ducks in the First Test, Crawley actually has a decent record against Australia. In addition, England don’t have any natural opener in the squad to replace him, and it would be a big ask to move the order around in a game that’s pretty much a must win.

Australia – Looking to continue their dominance at the Gabba

Josh Hazlewood is still missing for Australia as they prepare for the Second Test of this Ashes Series. Pat Cummins could return to strengthen the Australian bowling line up. A question mark remains over Usman Khawaja, who’s struggling with a back injury. How the Australians line up will be interesting to see – if Khawaja does miss the day-night game at the Gabba, potentially Marnus Labuscagne could open with Jake Weatherald, though it’s more likely Travis Head will open after doing so in the second innings in Perth.

England – In desperate need of a batting performance

Despite shocking performances from most of England’s batting line up, they’re likely to field an unchanged side. There’s talk that Josh Tongue might make the starting XI, as his ability to swing the ball in day-night conditions could be extremely useful. If England do opt for Tongue, it’s likely Gus Atkinson will make way after disappointing bowling figures in the First Test.

Where to watch Australia vs England

There are a variety of broadcasters who will be showing the Ashes Second Test live. In addition to television channels, many betting sites also provide Australia vs England live stream options. Depending on your site of choice, you may need to place a bet on the event in order to activate the stream.

Text commentary is also available at a range of betting sites, along with the official sites for Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

In addition, some broadcasters might require a paid subscription to access live events.

Below, we’ve listed the official Ashes broadcasters for viewers across the globe. Watch to see if our Australia vs England prediction is proven accurate.

• Australia: Channel Seven
• UK: TNT Sports, Discovery+
• New Zealand: Sky NZ
• Asia: JioStar

H2 – Prediction for Australia vs England

It’s very difficult to see anything other than an Australia win in the Second Test. With their incredible record at the Gabba, combined with their record in day-night Tests, we can’t see how England can prevail, especially after that disaster of an opener.

It’s true that if any side could bounce back and put in a wonder-like performance, it’s England. Ben Stokes’ side will be frothing at the bit to hush their critics and put in a match-winning performance. However, in reality this is incredibly unlikely and this should be another easy win for the home side.

But where’s the value? Mitchell Starc is considered the best in the world with the pink ball, and in this day-night Test we’re expecting the fast bowler to take a fair few wickets. We believe Starc will be the Australian player to take the most wickets. Our Australia vs England prediction is Starc to be the Australian Top Bowler.