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Ashes gets personal as Steve Smith responds to Jofra Archer's sledging with power-hitting

Akshita Patel

Smith-Archer's heated face-off at Gabba [Source: @rafi4999/X.com]Smith-Archer's heated face-off at Gabba [Source: @rafi4999/X.com]

On Day 4 of the second Ashes Test at Gabba, Jofra Archer tried to get under the skin of Steve Smith. However, the stand-in Australian skipper had a befitting reply as he smacked him over the park.

The trouble began in the ninth over of Australia’s final innings. Smith, leading the charge for the hosts in a 65-run chase, hammered Archer for a boundary on the first ball and made his intentions clear with a stern look. 

Steve Smith wins ego battle against Jofra Archer

Things escalated just after the second ball when Jofra Archer threw some heated words at Steve Smith.

Smith, meanwhile, is not someone to hold, and he replied immediately, saying, “Bowl fast when there is nothing on, champion.” The comment clearly rattled the pacer, and sparks flew.

Jofra Archer fired back with a bouncer soon after, but Steve Smith stood his ground and struck back with another boundary. 

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Despite Archer’s pace and aggression, he couldn’t intimidate Smith. As tension hung thick, Archer approached the batter again to confront him verbally. 

Smith again didn’t back off, and the war of words went on until the final blow landed.

Bowling the next bouncer, Jofra Archer again tried his luck, but Steve Smith sent the ball soaring for six. The shot silenced the English pacer, who returned to his mark with a forced smile as the stadium erupted. 

The mental and physical battle belonged to the stand-in Australian captain. He fetched 15 runs off that eventful over. 

Soon after, Australia wrapped up the chase with ease. The hosts needed just 10 overs to reach their target, with Steve Smith and Jake Weatherald finishing unbeaten on 23 and 17, respectively.  

With that 8-wicket, Australia are now leading the Ashes 2025 with a 2-0 scoreline.