Neser's Five-Wicket Performance Puts Australia Ahead in Ashes Test

Neser's Dominant Display

Michael Neser, the Australian fast bowler, delivered a stunning five-wicket haul, placing Australia in a commanding position at the conclusion of the second session on Day 4 of the second Ashes Test held at The Gabba on Sunday.

By the end of the second session, Australia had reached 33 runs without loss in just 5 overs, needing only 65 runs to win. Openers Travis Head (19*) and Jake Weatherald (10*) remained unbeaten.

Second Session Highlights

The second session commenced with England at 193/6 after 59 overs, holding a 16-run lead. Captain Ben Stokes (36*) and all-rounder Jacks (25*) were at the crease.

Neser provided Australia with a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Jacks for 41 runs in the 70th over. Shortly after, Stokes reached his 36th Test half-century. However, Neser struck again, removing Stokes for 50 runs off 152 balls.

Australia's Brendan Doggett took out Gus Atkinson, and Neser capped off his five-wicket haul by dismissing Brydon Carse, leading to England's total of 241 in their second innings and setting a target of 65 runs.

Australia's Chase Commences

In pursuit of the target, Australia's openers, Jake Weatherald and Travis Head, quickly accumulated runs, finishing the dinner break on Day 4 at 33/0.

England's Second Innings Downfall

England, aiming to overcome a 177-run deficit in their second innings under challenging day-night conditions, began aggressively with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. They managed to erase 48 runs from the deficit in just 7.3 overs.

However, the Australian bowlers soon regained control, with Scott Boland claiming the first wicket by trapping Duckett (15).

Neser then took crucial wickets, dismissing both Ollie Pope (26) and the well-set opener Crawley (44). Despite a decent run rate, the Australian bowlers consistently took wickets, ending the day with Starc removing wicket-keeper Jaimie Smith (4).

Joe Root (15) and Harry Brook (15) also fell to Starc and Boland, respectively, marking a significant shift in the momentum of England's innings. By the end of the day, Starc, Neser, and Boland each had two wickets.

Recap of the First Innings

Earlier in the match, Australia showcased their dominance by scoring 511 runs in response to England's first innings total of 334.