England captain Ben Stokes got into a heated argument with fast bowler Jofra Archer during the opening session on the second day (Thursday, December 18) of the third Test against Australia in Adelaide. The captain appeared unhappy with Archer’s bowling as the Australians were flowing runs for the final wicket in the first innings.
On the morning of the second day, England struggled to take early wickets. Australia started the day at 326 for 8 with Mitchell Starc scoring quickly with the tailenders. Stokes turned to his strike bowler for a quick wicket. However, Archer opted for consistent short-pitched bowling at the tail rather than targeting the stumps.
Watch: Ben Stokes has a heated argument with Jofra Archer in the Adelaide Test
Mitchell Starc continued to disappoint England by scoring another half-century. Archer’s short-ball plan did not work, as Australia’s tail added more runs than England expected.
Ben Stokes looked unhappy with the continuous flow of runs. He was seen talking to Archer, frustrated with how the magic was going. The captain asked the bowler to aim for the stumps.
Ben Stokes is saying to Archer
Friend don’t complain about field placing when you bowl
He says, “bowl on the stumps” and yes and see what happens #ash25@7cricket #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/RFaoSnH02Z– Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) 17 December 2025
Archer finally achieved success by dismissing Starc and ended the innings with five wickets. Stokes responded with an animated gesture that showed that was what he wanted, before walking off to celebrate.
There was a brief pause before Archer responded to Stokes’ outstretched hand. The two later shared a high-five and exchanged a few more words.
Ben Stokes’ expression when that wicket fell – Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist said the tense moment between Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer showed the captain was working under extreme pressure. Gilchrist said that it appears that Stokes is pushing himself and his team to the limit.
“Also, Ben Stokes’ expression when that wicket fell. That strong discussion between Archer and Stokes is interesting,” Gilchrist said on Kayo Sports’ live Ashes coverage.
He said, “You feel as if Ben Stokes is absolutely teetering on the edge, talking to the players about his belief and confidence (after the Brisbane loss), his belief and trying to instill that and pull them along with him. But it feels like he is absolutely on the edge, it’s such an important day.”
Jofra Archer is England’s best bowler in Adelaide
Jofra Archer was the bowler of choice for England in Adelaide, using pace and control to keep Australia under pressure. After a difficult start to the Ashes series, he found his rhythm and took 5 for 53 in the first innings.
Australia’s lower order disappointed England. Mitchell Starc scored a quickfire half-century, while Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon stayed at the crease long enough to add useful runs.
Archer completed his five-wicket haul by clean bowling Starc with an excellent ball. England conceded runs at the end of the innings, taking Australia’s total to 372 runs. The home team added 45 runs in eight overs during the second morning session.
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