Australia captain Steve Smith and England fast bowler Jofra Archer were involved in a heated exchange during the final moments of the second Ashes Test on Sunday, December 7. In the ninth over of Australia’s second innings, tensions flared after Smith hit a boundary through the leg side off Archer.
Smith’s pull shot, struck with noticeable flair, appeared to irritate Archer, who responded immediately with a bouncer. When Smith missed the uppercut, Archer moved close and hurled verbal abuse at the batter.
Smith, unfazed, retaliated by scoring 10 runs off Archer in the next two balls, including a six. Afterward, Smith exchanged words with Archer in a display of confidence, a move fans colloquially referred to as a ‘chad move’.
“You bowl fast when there’s nothing going on, champ,” Smith told Archer after the six.
AUS vs ENG, 2nd Test: Highlights
Australia wrapped up the match in the following over, with Smith hitting Gus Atkinson for a six through the leg side, sealing an eight-wicket victory.
On Sunday, Australia chased down the target of 65 runs at the Gabba with urgency. Travis Head started the innings strongly with two boundaries and a six but was dismissed by Atkinson for 22 off 22 balls. After Marnus Labuschagne’s brief stay, scoring just 3 off 6 balls, Smith took charge and finished the chase with an unbeaten 23 runs from 9 balls. He was well-supported by opener Jake Weatherald, who remained not out at 17 off 23 balls.
The win gave Australia a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series ahead of the third Test.
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