NEW DELHI: Ben Stokes won the toss once again and chose to bat first in the second Test, looking to get England’s Ashes campaign back on track following a heavy defeat in Perth.

Stokes had also won the toss and batted first in the series-opening match but suffered an eight-wicket loss on Day 2.

The day-night Test at the Gabba was set to start under warm, sunny conditions on Thursday, giving Australia’s all-pace bowling attack the first opportunity with the pink ball.

Players from both sides wore black armbands to pay tribute to former England batsman Robin Smith, who passed away this week in Perth, Australia.

Australia recalled Michael Neser at the expense of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, with stand-in skipper Steve Smith explaining that Brisbane’s conditions were more favorable to seam bowling.

Australia will look to extend a long unbeaten run in Ashes matches at the Gabba, where England last won a Test back in 1986.

Both teams made changes due to injuries, with Australia opener Usman Khawaja ruled out because of back issues that limited his participation in Perth, while England paceman Mark Wood missed out with a knee injury and was replaced by Will Jacks.

Josh Inglis returned to the middle order, and Travis Head retained his role as an opener following his match-winning performance in Perth.

Neser’s selection ended speculation about injured skipper Pat Cummins being rushed back into Australia’s lineup from outside the match squad.

Lineups:

Australia: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer

(With PTI Inputs)