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WATCH: Steve Smith's brutal nine-word sledge fires up Ashes
SEN • December 8th, 2025 10:03 am
For an Ashes series that has, so far, been far too friendly, there were some fireworks at the close of the Gabba Test between Steve Smith and Jofra Archer.
Australia needed just 65 runs to claim victory and go 2-0 up in the series after Ben Stokes and Will Jacks couldn’t quite mount the fightback.
With Travis Head dismissed for 22 and Marnus Labuschagne for three, enter Smith to wrap things up.
Archer bowled significantly faster than he had but the stand-in captain took him on.
Stump mics picked up the exchange.
Stump mics picked up the exchange.
“You only play those shots when there's not much on the score, mate,” the Englishman said to Smith.
Returning serve, the Aussie star said: “You only bowl fast when there's nothing going on, champion.”
Smith had the last laugh, hitting a six to secure the win.
Asked about the exchange afterwards, Smith said: “That stays on the field.
“That was good banter, he's a good competitor and he comes hard at ya so that's fun.
“He was just bowling good pace, not really too sure what he said, not really sure what I said, and I'm not sure it's any of your business either.
“It just felt right to play a few shots.
"He (Archer) was obviously bowling quick, and I thought I'd hit a few up and try to get hold of a couple. I tried to finish it quickly.
"There's a bit of a storm coming around, so I wanted to get it done by playing a few shots. High percentage with the short boundary behind me, so I wanted to take it on.”
