Will Jacks pulls off stunning catch to dismiss Steve Smith in Gabba Test

England all-rounder Will Jacks took a stunning catch to dismiss Australia stand-in captain Steve Smith on Day 2 (Friday, December 5) of the second Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Commentators and fans were stunned after the one-handed catch from Jacks, and the video went viral on social media.

England were bowled out for 334 runs in the morning session on Day 2. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 138 after adding a 70-run partnership with Jofra Archer for the final wicket. Root reached his 40th Test hundred and his first in Australia. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc picked up six wickets for the home team.

Watch: Will Jacks Pulls Off Stunner to Dismiss Steve Smith

On the fourth ball of the 57th over in Australia’s first innings, Brydon Carse bowled a short delivery, and Steve Smith attempted a pull shot. However, the right-handed batter only managed to top-edge it toward backward square leg.

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Jacks had a lot of ground to cover, but plucked the ball in spectacular fashion. The third umpire confirmed the catch, and Carse removed two set batters in the same over, dragging England right back into the contest.

Smith walked back to the dressing room stunned after scoring 61 runs, while the crowd and commentators were left amazed by the catch. The wicket left Australia five down and turned the match into a gripping battle.

Will Jacks takes an absolute screamer to dismiss Steve Smith
One of the best catches you will ever see 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mj3VBVBcu9

— Jash (@JashViratian149) December 5, 2025

This Is as Good a Catch as I’ve Ever Seen - Michael Vaughan

Former players and pundits reacted after Will Jacks pulled off the one-handed catch to remove Steve Smith. Michael Vaughan called it one of the best catches he had ever seen. He added that Australia’s mistakes had opened the door, putting England back in the contest.

"This is as good of a catch I've ever seen. Oh my word! It doesn't get any better than that, that's a piece of incredible movement from Jacks. We're seeing Australia do what England normally do with the bat in hand, error after error. Now England are back in the game. We've got a Test match on our hands," Vaughan opined, as quoted by the BCC Test Match Special.

Ben Stokes Swings Momentum with Brilliant Delivery to Dismiss Josh Inglis

Australia looked comfortable for most of the day, but everything changed in the 57th over when Brydon Carse dismissed both set batters. England had mixed moments in the field. Ben Duckett dropped a tough chance at gully, which added to England’s frustration.

Skipper Ben Stokes wasn’t happy with the drop, and the tension on the field kept rising. However, Stokes produced a moment of magic. He bowled a superb delivery that beat Josh Inglis completely and hit the stumps.

The ball came in sharply from wide of the crease, leaving Inglis with no chance. Australia lost their sixth wicket and still trailed by a few runs. Notably, the hosts crossed England’s total with six wickets down and took the lead.

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