Ashes: Drama at the Gabba! Steve Smith opens up on heated exchange with Jofra Archer – ‘It was a lot of fun’ | Cricket News
Australia captain Steve Smith played down his fiery on-field confrontation with England fast bowler Jofra Archer during the closing stages of Australia’s eight-wicket victory in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, added a flash of intensity to an otherwise one-sided final as Australia took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Speaking to broadcasters after sealing victory, Smith addressed the much-discussed duel and insisted there was no lingering tension. “It stays on the field (smile). No, good joke. He’s a good competitor, he comes harder, so it was a lot of fun,” he said, opening up about the verbal exchange that captivated the spectators during the finals.The spark came in the ninth over of Australia’s chase, shortly after Smith clipped Archer for a leg-side boundary. According to cricket.com.au, Smith dragged the pacer with the pointed line: “Play fast when nothing’s happening, champ”, a remark which immediately escalated the moment. Archer responded with a barrage of short bowling, including a bouncer in excess of 150 km/h, bowled just after Smith’s shot appeared to irritate the quick. When Smith swung and missed an uppercut attempt, Archer walked down the court and continued the verbal back-and-forth.Smith, however, responded in the most emphatic way possible: with races. He took 10 off Archer’s next two deliveries, including six, before the two briefly exchanged words again.The drama, while compelling, had little impact on the outcome of the match. England, having been dismissed cheaply in both innings, took a lead of only 64 runs after their second batting effort. So Australia only needed 65 for victory. England managed to remove Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, but Smith and Jake Weatherald firmly shut the door, ensuring no further breakthrough.Smith deservedly ended the contest in the over, bowling Gus Atkinson for a leg-side six to end the chase and secure a victory with authority. The victory took Australia through two Tests in the Ashes and highlighted Smith’s composure even amid heated exchanges.
