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For a period of three hours, England's Ben Stokes seemed poised for a repeat of the iconic knock that cemented his name into cricketing history. Although that famous Leeds innings is recalled for its blistering finish, the bedrock of unyielding defence upon which it was built is often forgotten.

"These represent the moments he lives for," observed Ricky Ponting as Stokes prepared for his walk to the wicket.

The tourists' situation entering the fourth day at the Brisbane's Gabba was similarly dire, trailing 43 runs to force the hosts to bat again with only 6 wickets in hand. However, at 5.50pm, with the floodlights illuminating the field, Stokes's resistance was halted. Michael Neser, bowling to an unusual field setting, took the edge, and gloveman Alex Carey held a sharp take standing up.

This rounded off a sublime exhibition of glovework from Carey and eradicated any lingering home side nerves. Stokes walked off for a gritty 50 runs from 152 balls, his exit all but sealing England's fate.

A Chase Easily Overhauled

Soon after, Australia had easily reached the paltry required total of 65, achieving an eight-wicket win in just 10.2 overs. This outcome gave them a dominant 2-0 lead, a position that looks increasingly foreboding for the visitors with three matches left to play.

Stokes's effort, allied with a spirited 41 from Will Jacks, was an admirable effort at atonement on one level. Australia gave precious little, bowling impeccable lines and lengths on a difficult surface offering variable pace.

Superiority in Key Departments

However, it underscored the glaring disparities between the sides. England has been second best in the fielding area, spilling five opportunities during the home side's massive first innings of 511. By contrast, Australia were clinical, epitomized by a remarkable one-handed catch by Steve Smith to remove Jacks.

Additionally, The tourists were out-thought by Australia, who masterfully manipulated the pink-ball circumstances. There was one final English lapse in concentration before their innings of 241 concluded: Gus Atkinson, a competent batsman, fell to a poor pull shot directly to a Smith.

"His dismissal ranked with the most gormless of the tour," the analysis noted, highlighting a short-ball plan that was seemingly wilfully walked into.

The Road Forward

The two sides now have a nine-day pause before the third Test in Adelaide. England once again forced to reflect, while Pat Cummins's squad will only pose more questions. With returns of skipper Cummins and off-spinner Nathan Lyon will further strengthen an formidably dominant team.