Ashes 2nd Test Preview - Day 'n' Night @ The GABBA

Not much to preview here; it feels like a must-win for England. I’m fairly certain the team won't be thinking that, but from the outside looking in, this feels like a match England can’t afford to lose if they have hopes of winning the series and taking the Ashes home.

A lot was made after the first Test, where England lost what looked like an unlosable match. The issue wasn’t the loss itself, but the manner of the defeat. The fact that it was self-inflicted and resulted in a two-day game - from the team that claimed they wanted to save Test cricket by being in the "entertainment business"—is ironic. Could they be playing the style of cricket that actually ends up killing the format? That remains to be seen, but a lot of bums will be in seats to watch how they go about it on that first morning at the Gabba.

With Mark Wood out of the lineup and Will Jacks replacing him, I actually think England looks like a stronger team. It's crazy to say, but what England probably needs is more overs from Ben Stokes, and for those overs to come sooner in the innings. As much of a threat as Mark Wood is, he’s much less threatening when only half-fit. This move also makes England’s batting lineup deeper with Mitchell Starc steaming in with a pink ball in hand—and the top order's known ability to self-destruct—that extra batting depth will actually do them some good.

From the Australian POV, the fans get their wish: Khawaja is ruled out of the Test. However, it comes under circumstances nobody wants, being down to injury. We will most likely see Travis Head move to the opening slot, meaning either Beau Webster or Josh Inglis comes in to bat at 6, with Cam Green moving up to 5.

I believe they will go for Webster; he hasn't put a foot wrong wearing a Baggy Green, and he provides them with another bowling option. In that first innings in Perth, besides Mitchell Starc, the bowling felt pretty underwhelming. It might not be bad for them to have another option. Webster has also been pretty handy with the bat amidst Australia's own top-order crisis over the past few series.

Both sides enter the match looking like they can win it, and no one knows what to expect. Throw in the fact that it’s a Day-Night Test with the pink ball, and previous form could be rendered null and void - with this game perhaps even decided by whoever wins the toss. Either way, it should be a fun one to watch. Let’s hope it lasts longer than two days.