“You play fast when nothing is happening”: Smith-Archer showdown lights up Ashes Test – Watch | Cricket News
Australia claimed an eight-wicket win in the second day-night Test against England on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series. England resumed day four at 134-6, 43 runs behind, before Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacks (41) helped set a target of 65. Australia ended the chase with Steve Smith hitting a six to end the match ahead of the third Test in Adelaide on 17 December.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 at around 150 km/h (93 mph) under the lights and that only fired up Smith.He came to bowl the next over and started with a short delivery outside off. Smith went on the back foot and crossed mid-wicket for four runs in the middle of the bat.Archer followed with a 90 mph bouncer. Smith leaned back and attempted a top cut with a deep third, but missed. Archer tried Smith and Smith responded. He missed it and gestured that he should have reached the third man fence, then turned to see Archer trying. Smith told Archer, “You play fast when nothing’s happening, Champion.”The third ball of the over brought even more drama. Archer bowled at 90 mph and Smith pulled off the back foot, getting a top edge and eventually a glove as he flew past keeper Jamie Smith for four. Archer had a few words for Smith, who didn’t respond this time.On the next ball, Archer bowled at 150.5 kmph. It was a short delivery down the leg side. Smith got into the line and shot. The ball went wide of fine leg and flew towards the crowd for six. Archer smiled wryly and turned back to his target without further words. Smith waved his hand at Archer. After the match, the two men shook hands. “What was said stays on the field, good banter, he’s (Archer) a good competitor, and he gets after you,” Smith said after the game.
