Steve Smith and Jofra Archer's Heated Exchange Highlights Second Ashes Test

Intense Confrontation in the Ashes

During the final moments of the second Ashes Test on Sunday, a heated confrontation unfolded between Australia’s captain Steve Smith and England's fast bowler Jofra Archer. Smith taunted Archer, stating, 'Bowl fast when there's nothing going on, champion,' according to cricket.com.au.

Australia triumphed over England by eight wickets in Brisbane, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. England managed to set a target of just 64 runs in their second innings, leaving Australia needing only 65 to clinch victory. Despite the English bowlers claiming the wickets of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, Smith and Jake Weatherald ensured no further breakthroughs occurred, with Smith hitting the winning six.

Heated On-Field Exchange

Even though the match's outcome seemed inevitable, Jofra Archer bowled with full intensity, particularly aiming at Smith, who he has yet to dismiss. The two players engaged in a fiery verbal exchange during the ninth over of Australia’s second innings, right after Smith hit a boundary off Archer, igniting the confrontation.

Archer challenged Smith, who responded with his own quip. Following a pull shot from Smith, Archer retaliated with a bouncer exceeding 150 km/h. After Smith missed an uppercut attempt, Archer moved closer and verbally confronted him. However, Smith quickly countered by scoring 10 runs off Archer's next two deliveries, including a six, and exchanged words once more.

Australia wrapped up the match in the following over, with Smith hitting Gus Atkinson for a leg-side six, sealing an eight-wicket victory.