Australian captain Steve Smith produced a sensational one-handed catch on Day 4 of the Ashes 2025-26 second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, helping the hosts finally break the resilient stand between Ben Stokes and Will Jacks.
The 36-year-old launched himself to his left and completed the grab inches above the turf to end Jacks' determined knock.
The breakthrough came in the 67th over, bowled by right-arm seamer Michael Neser. With wicketkeeper Alex Carey up to the stumps, Jacks, batting on 40, nicked a length ball, prompting Smith to dive fully to his left and latch onto the catch just before it touched the ground.
The dismissal brought an end to a hard-fought 96-run partnership off 221 balls that had frustrated the Australians for a long stretch. You can watch the video here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR9EsNeibKs/?igsh=a2xnZ2pzMWdvZGhj
England started Day 4 trailing by 43 runs and went through the entire first session without losing a wicket, as Stokes and Jacks held firm right up to tea. With the visitors displaying resolute defence, it was clear that only a moment of brilliance could finally separate the pair.
Steve Smith's Australia Set Target Of 65 To Win The Pink-Ball Test
Steve Smith held two more catches as Australia bowled England out for 241, giving up a lead of 64 runs. With those grabs, he also drew level with Rahul Dravid for the most outfield catches in Test cricket at 210. As a result, the hosts now require just 65 runs to take a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series.
Australia had dominated Day 3 after piling up 511 in reply to England's first-innings 334, which was powered by Joe Root's century. The hosts then left England reeling at 134/6 by stumps. They had already taken the lead in the series with an eight-wicket win in the Perth opener, a match that wrapped up in just two days thanks to Travis Head's blistering 83-ball 123.
With only 65 runs needed, Australia will be confident of sealing a 2-0 lead.
![[WATCH]- Steve Smith Grabs Stunning One-Handed Catch To Break Key Stand On Day 4 Of Ashes 2nd Test](https://assets-news-bcdn.dailyhunt.in/cmd/resize/600x400_80/fetchdata20/images/b5/f1/50/b5f150e03389b1879a570224a09a31053f18106dcf7b7c237b8ab0142d847c98.webp)
