What is England's Ashes record at the Gabba? When did they last win in Brisbane? History at 'Gabbatoir' ahead of second Test v Australia

Already 1-0 down within two days of cricket Down Under, England take a trip to Brisbane in the second Test of the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series. Live on TNT Sports and discovery+, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have a mammoth task to inspire the troops - not just because of the concerning form of the touring batters, but due to the weight of history against them at the Gabba.

The third day of an Ashes series in Australia would typically take place at the Gabba - but usually as part of the curtain-raiser, whereas this time, it will come in the second Test.

That is because Australia remarkably managed to wrap up the first victory of the 2025/26 NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series - unusually taking place in Perth - within just two days, thanks to a very poor batting display from England.

Totals of 172 and 164 - even though Australia were missing key bowlers in the form of Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins - left the tourists' hopes of a first Test win Down Under in 15 years in tatters.

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Alarmingly for England, their winless streak at the Gabba goes back a lot further than that.

In the ever-enthralling battle for the urn between these bitter rivals, Brisbane Cricket Ground has become known as 'the Gabbatoir', such is England's tendency to be slain there.

Live on TNT Sports and discovery+, Brendon McCullum and his high-risk, high-reward style of play will enter aiming to this time emerge as the butcher, as England look to level the series.

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When did England last win at the Gabba?

England have not won a Test at the Gabba since November 1986.

Though they arrived at the traditional Ashes opener in Brisbane looking to retain the urn, having reclaimed it back home in 1985, England arrived under a cloud.

Indeed, they were battling the press as well as Australia, with the Independent newspaper infamously running the line: "There are only three things wrong with this England team. They can’t bat, can’t bowl and can’t field."

Ian Botham quickly proved the first of those wrong. He struck 138 en route to England making 456 in their first innings.

With the ball in hand, Graham Dilley then took five wickets as Australia were sent packing for 248 - and the visitors enforced the follow-on.

John Emburey emulated his team-mate by claiming a five-for in that second Australia innings, with England left needing just 76 to win - and they then went on to clinch the series 2-1.

A quarter-century passed before the next triumph in Australia, cementing the legacy of Mike Gatting's men.

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When did England last draw at the Gabba?

England's last three entries into the 'Gabbatoir' have all ended with the Australians feasting, but the 2010/11 Ashes did see a crucial draw which sparked a series victory.

After both sides' opening innings, Andrew Strauss' side found themselves 221 runs down, but made an incredible comeback.

The skipper racked up 110 runs, while Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott joined him with centuries - the former smacking 235.

England declared on 517/1 to help salvage a draw, before going on to claim the series 3-1.

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What is England's overall record at the Gabba?

In the 92-year history of Ashes Tests at the Gabba, England have won just four times.

Before the aforementioned Botham-inspired glory, the tourists emerged on top in 1978, 1936 and 1933.

A total of 22 Tests have taken place at Brisbane Cricket Ground between the foes, with the remaining 18 seeing five draws and 13 home wins.

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