The second Test of the Ashes series began at the Gabba with England, under Ben Stokes, winning the toss and choosing to bat first against Australia, whose captain Pat Cummins was sidelined due to injury and replaced by stand-in captain Steve Smith.Notable squad changes included
Josh Inglis and
Michael Neser joining
Australia,
Nathan Lyon being left out, while England brought in
Will Jacks to replace the injured
Mark Wood.