Australia’s Steve Smith with England’s Jofra Archer (Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Australia captain Steve Smith downplayed his fiery on-field confrontation with England fast bowler Jofra Archer during the closing stages of Australia’s eight-wicket win in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. The incident, which took place late on Sunday, added a glimmer of intensity to an otherwise one-sided finish as Australia took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
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Speaking to broadcasters after sealing the win, Smith addressed the much-discussed duel and insisted there was no lingering tension. “He’ll stay on the field (smiles). No, good banter. He’s a good competitor, he goes harder, so it was good fun,” he said, opening the verbal firefight that gripped the crowd in the final.The spark came in the ninth over of Australia’s chase, shortly after Smith clipped Archer for a boundary on the leg side. According to cricket.com.au , Smith sledged the pacer with a pointed line: “Stir fast when nothing’s going on, champ,” a remark that immediately escalated the moment. Archer responded with a flurry of short bowling, including a bouncer in excess of 150km/h that came just after Smith’s shot seemed to tease the quick. When Smith swung and missed an overhand attempt, Archer walked down the field and continued the verbal back and forth.But Smith responded in the most emphatic way available: runs. He took 10 off Archer’s next two deliveries, including a six, before the pair briefly traded words again.The drama, while compelling, had little effect on the outcome of the match. England, who were dismissed cheaply in both innings, mustered only a 64-run lead after their second batting effort. Australia needed just 65 to win. England managed to remove Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, but Smith and Jake Weatherald shut the door firmly, ensuring no further breakthroughs.Smith fittingly ended the contest on the following run when he shot Gus Atkinson on the sixth leg to complete the chase and secure an authoritative victory. The win moved Australia two Tests clear in the Ashes and highlighted Smith’s composure even amid heated exchanges.
