Australia’s temporary leader, Steve Smith, has spoken out after a tense confrontation with England’s fast bowler Jofra Archer during the final phase of play at the Gabba. The visiting team needed to dismiss the Australians for fewer than 64 runs, but Smith guided his team to victory, scoring the winning runs for the second consecutive Test.
Smith entered the game when Australia was at 41-2 and swiftly led his team to triumph by scoring an impressive 23 runs from just nine deliveries. During this time, he struck two massive sixes and two fours, dominating Archer who conceded 15 runs from only five deliveries.
The heated exchange between the two players occurred during an intense over at the Gabba, where Archer displayed visible frustration after being hit to the boundary by Smith.
Undeterred by the verbal exchange, Smith demonstrated his prowess with the bat by sending Archer to the deep fine leg and over the boundary for a six. England’s bowlers were left battered and bruised by their experience at the Gabba.
In the subsequent over, Smith hit another six to seal the victory, giving Australia a commanding 2-0 lead as they head into the next Test in Adelaide.
When asked about the on-field exchange with Archer, Smith commented, “That stays on the field. It was good banter. He’s a good competitor and comes hard at you, so it was good fun.”
The frustration evident in Archer’s performance reflected England’s overall struggles with the pink ball during the second Test. The English bowlers failed to replicate their strong performance from the initial day in Perth, which now seems like a distant memory.
England set a target of 334 runs for the hosts to chase after Joe Root’s unbeaten 134 in the first innings. Australia comfortably achieved the target, posting 511 runs on the board, thanks to significant contributions from Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Smith, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc.
Despite a batting-friendly pitch, England ended day three trailing by 43 runs at 134-6 after a late fight by Ben Stokes and Will Jacks. However, Australia eventually bowled out England for 241.
Travis Head and Weatherald made quick progress in the chase before Smith’s explosive batting display further propelled Australia towards victory.
Reflecting on his approach, Smith explained, “It just felt right to play a few shots. He was obviously bowling quick, and I thought I’d hit a few and try to finish it quickly.”
With the series hanging in the balance, England must secure a win in Adelaide to prevent Australia from retaining the Ashes. The third Test is scheduled to commence on December 17.
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