• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Have A Rest Weatherald Explains Steve Smith Hand Gesture Vs Jofra Archer In Ashes

“Have a rest…”: Weatherald explains Steve Smith hand gesture vs Jofra Archer in Ashes

Aakash Saini

Steve Smith and Jake Weatherald [Source: @cricketcomau/x]Steve Smith and Jake Weatherald [Source: @cricketcomau/x]

Australian opener Jake Weatherald has explained the mysterious ‘hand gesture’ of Steve Smith, one which he signaled against England quick Jofra Archer during the decisive stages of the second Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series earlier this month. During Smith’s cracking cameo in the run-chase, the legendary Australian batter had a run-in with Archer, with both cricketers verbally going at each other.

The Australian stand-in captain scored 23* off nine deliveries in the innings with two fours and two sixes, including one to notch up the winning runs on Day 4 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Weatherald explains Steve Smith gesture

On Day 4 of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane earlier this month, Jofra Archer and Steve Smith had a verbal go at each other during the concluding stages of the Australian run-chase. Smith responded the English paceman with a huge six towards his leg side, and followed it up with a mysterious hand gesture that left everyone perplexed.

Ahead of the third Test of the series at the Adelaide Oval, Australian opener Jake Weatherald has now explained the meaning behind the gesture. The 31-year-old said that while he does not know from where it originated from, the gesture is pretty popular among South Australian cricketers and it means:

“Have a rest”

To watch entire Jake Weatherald interview on cricket.com.au, click here

So, in short, Steve Smith ‘humbled’ a roaring Jofra Archer by dispatching him for a huge six after the latter’s verbal showdown.

With Smith winning his duel with Archer, Australia also won the Test match by eight wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the 2025-26 Ashes Test series.

The two teams will now collide in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide between December 17 and December 21.