Australia wrapped up a convincing victory in the second Ashes Test, chasing a small target of 65 runs — but the highlight of the final innings was the fiery on-field exchange between Steve Smith and Jofra Archer. The confrontation brought back memories of their intense 2019 duel, when Archer struck Smith with a bouncer at Lord’s. This time, the pair’s rivalry added drama to what was otherwise a straightforward Australian win.
A heated start to a short chase
Australia lost Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne early, bringing Steve Smith to the crease with work still to be done. Facing his first ball from Archer — a 90 mph short delivery — Smith pulled it to the square-leg boundary. When he missed the next rising delivery, Archer had a few words for him.
Smith shot back, telling Archer: “You bowl fast when there’s nothing on the line, champion.” The exchange set the tone for a spirited mini-battle between the two.
Short-ball contest electrifies the crowd
Archer responded with another sharp bouncer, which Smith top-edged over wicketkeeper Jamie Smith for four. The pair exchanged more words as Archer walked down the pitch, intensifying the crowd’s anticipation.
Moments later, Archer bowled the fastest ball of his spell. Smith, unfazed, swivelled and hooked it for six over fine leg. This time Archer avoided returning fire, turning back to his mark without giving Smith a chance for more verbal sparring.
Australia cruise to victory
Smith rotated the strike before Gus Atkinson took over the attack. With eight runs needed, Smith and Weatherald knocked the target down methodically. Ultimately, Smith finished the match in style, launching Atkinson over deep square-leg for six to seal Australia’s win and push the series score to 2–0.
The crowd witnessed not just the continuation of Australia’s dominance, but the rekindling of a compelling Ashes rivalry that began in 2019 — when Archer’s debut spell famously floored Smith with a bouncer and forced him out of the next Test due to concussion.