Get ready, cricket fans—the Ashes are heating up, and the second Test is about to kick off with a twist: the pink ball is back in action at the Gabba in Brisbane! But here’s where it gets controversial: will the weather or team changes steal the spotlight? Let’s dive into everything you need to know to stay ahead of the game.
The second Ashes Test begins on Thursday, December 4, with the first ball bowled at 3pm AEDT. For those tuning in from other parts of Australia, that’s 2pm in Queensland, 12pm in Western Australia, and 2:30pm in South Australia. And this is the part most people miss: the Gabba Test marks the return of the pink ball, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the day-night format. Here’s the full schedule for the remaining Tests:
- Third Test: December 17-21 at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Starts at 11am local time (11:30am AEDT, 10:30am Qld, 8:30am WA)
- Fourth Test: December 26-30 at MCG, Melbourne
- Starts at 10:30am local time (9:30am Qld, 10am SA, 7:30am WA)
- Fifth Test: January 4-8 at SCG, Sydney
- Starts at 10:30am local time (9:30am Qld, 10am SA, 7:30am WA)
How can you catch all the action? ABC Sport has you covered—whether you’re at home, on the go, or even stuck at work. Our live blog at abc.net.au/news/sport will bring you ball-by-ball updates, with expert commentary from Dean Bilton, Simon Smale, Jon Healy, Chris De Silva, and Henry Hanson. Prefer to listen? Tune into ABC local radio or the Listen app here, where Corbin Middlemas and Jim Maxwell will be joined by cricket legends like Jason Gillespie, Darren Lehmann, Phil Tufnell, Tom Moody, and Stuart Clark. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for viral moments and behind-the-scenes content. For live radio streaming, just hit the green 'play live radio' button on our website.
Weather alert: Will the Brisbane heat affect play? Here’s the forecast for the Gabba Test:
- Thursday: 27°C, clear skies, 0% chance of rain
- Friday: 28°C, clear skies, 0% chance of rain
- Saturday: 30°C, clear skies, 0% chance of rain
- Sunday: 31°C, possible evening thunderstorms, 40% chance of rain
- Monday: 27°C, morning thunderstorms likely, 65% chance of rain
Team updates: Who’s in and who’s out? Australia’s Usman Khawaja is officially sidelined due to injury, leaving a spot open for either Beau Webster or Josh Inglis—with Inglis tipped to get the nod. Meanwhile, rumors persist that Pat Cummins could make a surprise return, despite not being named in the squad. For England, Mark Wood is out injured, paving the way for spinning all-rounder Will Jacks to step in. Bold prediction: Could Cummins’ potential comeback shift the balance of power?
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Podcast lovers, rejoice! Our cricket podcast, hosted by Corbin Middlemas and former Test opener Ed Cowan, is a must-listen. They’ll break down all the hot takes and talking points from the series. Check it out on the Listen app or here. And don’t miss ABC Sport Daily with Patrick Stack and Poppy Penny for more summer cricket coverage.
Final thought: With the pink ball, unpredictable weather, and potential team shake-ups, this Test could be a game-changer. What do you think—will Australia dominate at the Gabba, or can England turn the tide? Let us know in the comments!
