Best odds and predictions for 2nd Ashes Test match

AFTER a chastening eight wicket loss in the opening Test, England need to bounce back quickly if they aren’t to go 2-0 down in the series when they face Australia at the Gabba on Thursday.

Ben Stokes’ team have plenty of character and will come back hard at the Aussies. However, the hosts have a formidable record in both pink ball Test matches, and at the ground they refer to as the Gabbatoir in matches against England.

Quick betting tips for Australia vs England

Australia vs England 2nd Test odds

Here are the latest match odds for Australia vs England from our top-rated bookies. Odds are subject to change.

Australia vs England 2nd Test betting preview

November 1986 was the last time England won a Test match at the Gabba. 

Ian Botham’s first-innings century set up that victory, and England will need a similar match-winning performance if they’re to emulate their Ashes-winning predecessors in this Test.

Such is Australia’s domination at this venue, the ground has been nicknamed the Gabbatoir – something Ben Stokes and his team will no doubt have constantly been reminded of this week.

Also not helping England’s cause is the latest injury to Mark Wood. The paceman has been ruled out of the 2nd Test, with Will Jacks named as his replacement. 

The selection of Jacks is an interesting one. He isn’t England’s first choice spinner, so has clearly been picked as an all-rounder, as England looks to shore up their misfiring batting line up. 

Jacks is also another big hitter who may take the game to the hosts. Not that England needs anymore of those players in this team!

As for Australia, they have no such issues. Opening batter Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the match injured. 

However, there was debate about his place in the starting line-up following Travis Head’s remarkable century at the top of the innings in the 1st Test. The veteran’s injury has nicely cleared that situation up for the hosts.

Josh Inglis is likely to come into the starting line-up in place of Khawaja. He will probably bat at six with Cameron Green moving up a spot to five. 

Elsewhere, Steve Smith will continue to captain the team as Pat Cummins and his fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood are still out injured. Their absence means Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett are likely to keep their places in the starting eleven.

📊 Australia vs England 2nd Test key stats

• Australia have played 13 home Test matches using the pink ball, winning 12. Their only defeat came against West Indies 12 months ago.
• Eight of the 13 pink ball day/night Test matches in Australia were won by the team that batted first. 
• Mitchel Starc has a formidable record with the pink ball. The left-arm seamer has picked up 81 wickets at an average of 17.08.
• Scott Boland has also impressed in day/night Test matches. He has 18 wickets at an average of 13.16.
• With the bat, Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne is the standout performer. He averages 63.86 with the pink ball, compared to his overall average of 46.34.
• England have lost all three day/night Test matches they have played in Australia. 
• The tourists have now not won a Test match of any sort in Australia since January 2011. They have not won in any of their last 16 attempts.

Australia vs England best bets

Find our best bets for Australia vs England below. Our odds for the bets are from the best sportsbooks, as per our expert reviews. Odds in the betting tips are also subject to change.

Australia to win the 2nd Test (William Hill)

All the statistics point to another win for the hosts. They have a superb record at this venue and in general at home against England, along with a great record in pink ball cricket. 

Keep an eye on the toss, though. It favours the team that bats first. 

If England wins the toss and opts to bat first, it may be worth waiting until the day turns to night to back an Aussie win. Especially if the visitors get off to a strong start.

➡️ Back Australia to win the 1st Test at 8/15 with William Hill

Mitchell Starc to be Player of the Match (bet365)

The horse has bolted on backing Mitchell Starc to be top Aussie wicket taker in the 2nd Test. His record in pink ball matches mean he is a ridiculously short price to be the top snarer of English wickets again.

Scotty Boland has a good record with the pink ball and could be a good alternative bet to Starc. 

However, the real value bet could be backing Starc to be Player of the Match at 8/1. If he performs to a similar level again in Brisbane, he is likely to pick up this award again as well.

➡️ Back Mitchell Starc to be Player of the Match at 8/1 with bet365

No player to score 100 or more runs in an innings (SBK)

With the lack of quality of batting on show from both teams in the 1st Test, unless someone goes out there and smashes a century from 70 to 80 balls, it’s hard to see one being scored in Brisbane.

Travis Head had to bat with all guns blazing to get the only hundred of the match in Perth, and under lights at the Gabba, batting is likely to be even more difficult.

➡️ Back no player to score 100 or more runs in an innings at 5/2 with SBK

📺 How to watch Australia vs England

• Location: The Gabba, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia.
• Time: 4am on Thursday, December 4th, 2025
• Where to watch: Live on TNT Sports 1.

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