There was a heated argument between Australia captain Steve Smith and England fast bowler Joffra Archer on the fourth day of the second Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. A sharp bouncer from Archer sparked an argument with Smith and the clip caught the attention of fans on social media platforms.
Australia completed the day-night Test with an eight-wicket win and took a 2-0 lead in the Ashes. England started the fourth day at 134-6 and still 43 runs behind, but Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jaques (41) helped them chase the target of 65 runs. Australia achieved it easily, with Smith sealing the win by hitting a six.
There’s Nothing Going On, Champion – Steve Smith
There was a heated exchange between Steve Smith and Jofra Archer during Australia’s chase. Smith came to bat after Marnus Labuschagne was out in the eighth over and Archer was bowling at full pace in the lights.
Archer started with a short ball outside off and Smith pulled it easily for four runs. On the next ball, the fast bowler bowled a fast bouncer at around 150 kmph. Smith tried to upper-cut it but missed.
After the miss, Smith indicated that he should have sent the ball across the boundary. Archer said something to him, and Smith replied to him by saying that he only bowls fast “when nothing is happening.” The exchange raised some tension before Australia finished the chase comfortably.
“You bowl fast when there is nothing going on, champion,” quipped Smith, not impressing Archer.
It’s too late for that winner – Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting, speaking in the Channel 7 commentary box, criticized Joffra Archer for his outburst only after England had lost the match. The former Australia captain said England had four days to make an impact but they started fighting in the end which would not have changed the result.
Ponting said, “Joffra finally came to life – six days into the series, when the second Test was over, he started chirping. It was too late for that champion.”
“It’s what Smithy said, “bowling fast now, when the game’s over, is good for you.” He said, “They’ve all started. It’s too late, boys, you had your chance for four days. Not much good, it’s too late to start.”
Australia won the second Ashes test by eight wickets
Australia once again defeated England in the second test. Ben Stokes and Will Jacks tried to keep England in the game, but Michael Neser broke the resistance, cleaned up the tail and finished with five wickets.
Australia needed only 10 overs to chase the target. Jake Weatherald and Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 17 and 23 respectively, taking the hosts to victory. The only wickets to fall were Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, both dismissed by Gus Atkinson.
The third test will start in Adelaide from 17th December. England need to win to keep their Ashes hopes alive, as another defeat or even a draw will end their chances of regaining the Ashes.
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