The Ashes 2025: Will Jacks’ catch ‘as good as I’ve ever seen’, says Michael Vaughan

Will Jacks flying one-handed under the Brisbane lights.

The batter was the great Steve Smith. The ball was behind him.

Surrey all-rounder Jacks clung on and England’s fans roared in belief that a fightback may be possible in the second Ashes Test.

“This is as good of a catch I’ve ever seen,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan on BBC Test Match Special.

“Oh my word! It doesn’t get any better than that, that’s a piece of incredible movement from Jacks.”

The catch, the athleticism to dive at leg gully and take the ball in his right hand, was impressive.

It was even more special given the moment.

Two balls earlier Ben Duckett dropped Alex Carey.

Brydon Carse had dismissed Cameron Green earlier in the over but, with the score 292-4, Smith remained and there was an unavoidable feeling a chance may have been missed.

Jacks, who leapt into the arms of a wide-eyed Joe Root, ensured England would be celebrating after all.

Australia may still go 2-0 up in Brisbane, they remain in a strong position, but the game was alive again.

“Will Jacks, take a bow,” said former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior said on TNT Sports.

“That is an outstanding catch.

“It is exactly what we were talking about the fielders getting behind the bowlers.

“He had to cover a huge amount of ground and he throws out a claw. It is an outstanding catch.”

It was the bright spot for England in the field on day two with Duckett later dropping Josh Inglis, Carse spilling Michael Neser and Root getting fingertips to a Carey drive.

All of this came after Jamie Smith dropped Travis Head early in the innings.