Australia moved to the brink of an Ashes series victory with a big eight-wicket win over England in the Brisbane day-night Test on Sunday.
They took a two-nil lead in the five-match series.
Chasing a paltry target of 65 runs, Australia completed the formalities with little trouble despite early wickets for Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.
Steve Smith and opener Jake Weatherald stayed to the end, with Smith sealing the win with a six off the final ball of the 10th over.
The result strengthened Australia’s grip on the series, with history firmly on their side. Only once has a team lost an Ashes series after winning the first two Tests — when England fell three-two in Australia during the 1936–37 campaign.
The Brisbane Test was shaped as much by fielding as by runs. England dropped five catches during Australia’s first innings, while the hosts held almost everything that came their way. Those margins proved decisive.
Earlier, Australia had posted a commanding 511 in their first innings, with half-centuries from Jack Weatherald, Labuschagne, Smith, Carey and Mitchell Starc.
With two victories in Perth and Brisbane, Australia now stand firmly in control of the Ashes series.