Australia captain Steve Smith and England speedster Jofra Archer engaged in a heated argument during the fourth day of the second Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. A sharp bouncer from Archer sparked the exchange with Smith, and the clip grabbed attention from 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 on 134-6, still 43 runs behind, but Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacks (41) helped them set a target of 65. Australia chased it down comfortably, with Smith sealing the victory by hitting a six.
There’s Nothing Going On, Champion – Steve Smith
During Australia’s chase, Steve Smith and Jofra Archer had a heated moment. Smith came in to bat in the eighth over after Marnus Labuschagne got out, and Archer was bowling at full speed under the lights.
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Archer started with a short ball outside off, and Smith pulled it cleanly for four. On the next delivery, the pacer bowled a fast bouncer close to 150 kph. Smith tried to upper-cut it but missed.
After the miss, Smith gestured that he should have hit the ball to the boundary. Archer said something to him, and Smith replied, telling him that he only bowls fast “when nothing is happening.” The exchange added some tension before Australia comfortably finished the chase.
“You bowl faster when there’s nothing going on, champion,” Smith quipped, leaving Archer unimpressed.
Too Late For That Champ – Ricky Ponting
In the Channel 7 commentary box, Ricky Ponting criticized Jofra Archer for getting fired up only after the match was already out of England’s hands. The former Australia captain said England had four days to make an impact but started a fight at the end that would not change the result.
“Jofra’s finally come to life – six days into the series, when the second Test has gone, he starts chirping. Too late for that champ,” Ponting said.
“That’s what Smithy said, “Bowling quick now, when the game is over, good on you”. They’ve all started. Too late, boys, you had your chance for four days. Haven’t been good enough, too late to start,” he added.
Australia Cruise to Eight-Wicket Win in Second Ashes Test
Australia outplayed England once again in the second Test. Ben Stokes and Will Jacks tried to keep England in the game, but Michael Neser broke through 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 stayed unbeaten on 17 and 23, respectively, as the hosts cruised to victory. The only wickets to fall were Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, both dismissed by Gus Atkinson.
The third Test will commence on December 17 in Adelaide. England must win to keep their Ashes hopes alive, as another loss or even a draw will end their chances of regaining the urn.
