Australia powered to an eight-wicket win in the day-night second Test against England on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series. England resumed day four on 134-6, trailing by 43 runs, before Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacks (41) helped set a target of 65. Australia completed the chase with Steve Smith hitting a six to finish the match ahead of the third Test in Adelaide on December 17.During Australia’s chase, there was an exchange of words between Steve Smith and England fast bowler Jofra Archer. The incident took place when Smith came out to bat in the eighth over after Gus Atkinson dismissed Marnus Labuschagne.
Jofra Archer at the other end was bowling around 150 kph (93 mph) under the lights and it only fired up Smith.He came in to bowl the next over and started with a short-of-length delivery outside off. Smith went on the back foot and pulled through mid-wicket for four off the middle of the bat.Archer followed with a 149kph bouncer. Smith leaned back and attempted an upper cut with deep third in, but missed. Archer had a go at Smith and Smith responded. He missed and gestured that he should have got it to the third-man fence, then turned around to see Archer having a go. Smith said to Archer: “You Bowl fast when there’s nothing going on, Champion”.The third ball of the over brought more drama. Archer bowled at 149.4kph and Smith pulled off the back foot, getting a top-edge and possibly glove as it flew over keeper Jamie Smith for four. Archer had a few words for Smith, who did not respond this time.On the next ball, Archer bowled at 150.5kph. It was a short delivery down the leg. Smith got inside the line and pulled. The ball went wide of fine-leg and flew into the crowd for six. Archer gave a wry smile and turned back to his mark without more words. Smith made a gesture with his hand towards Archer. After the match, both shook hands. “What was said stays on the field, good banter, He’s (Archer) a good competitor, and he comes hard at you,” Smith said after the match.
