With the second Ashes Test nearly decided, England’s Jofra Archer chose a curious moment to engage in a verbal duel with Australia’s Steve Smith. The confrontation unfolded just as Australia needed 24 runs to secure victory, and Archer unleashed a barrage of short balls at the Australian captain.
After being pulled for four, Archer’s 149 km/h bouncer prompted a missed play from Smith, leading to a heated exchange. Smith retorted, “You bowl faster when there’s nothing going on, champion,” a remark that left Archer visibly unimpressed. However, Smith quickly turned the tables, hooking Archer for four and six to clinch the contest and surpass 1000 career runs at the Gabba.
Ricky Ponting’s Critique of Archer
In the Channel 7 commentary box, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting delivered a scathing assessment of Archer’s timing. “Jofra’s finally come to life – six days into the series, when the second Test has gone, he starts chirping,” Ponting remarked. “Too late for that champ.”
Ponting highlighted that despite Archer’s reputation from the 2019 Ashes, he has never dismissed Smith in Tests, having bowled more deliveries to him without success than any other bowler. “There’s a perception, certainly around the UK, that Archer has had the wood on Steve Smith. That is factually incorrect,” Ponting added.
Smith concluded the match with a powerful six off Gus Atkinson, sealing an eight-wicket victory and ending on 23 not out from just nine balls, echoing an old Archer tweet from nearly 13 years ago. Speaking post-match, Smith downplayed the confrontation, stating, “It stays on the field. It was good banter. He’s a good competitor, he comes hard at you, so that was good fun.”
Alex Carey’s Stellar Performance
Meanwhile, Alex Carey garnered high praise for his wicketkeeping prowess throughout the Test. His standout moment came with a remarkable catch off Ben Stokes, who edged a delivery from Michael Neser. Commentator Mark Howard exclaimed, “What a catch! Carey! You don’t see better!”
Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin lauded Carey’s technique and bravery, particularly his decision to stand up to the stumps against fast bowlers. “He’s been outstanding all Test match,” Haddin noted. “I have not seen a better keeping display or a braver keeping display in my whole time than what Alex Carey has done this Test match.”
Darren Berry, a renowned former Victorian keeper, echoed these sentiments on social media, describing Carey’s performance as ‘superb’.
Steve Smith’s Spectacular Catch
As England’s Ben Stokes and Will Jacks threatened to build a substantial lead, Steve Smith delivered a moment of brilliance. Positioned at a wide first slip, Smith executed a stunning left-handed catch off Jacks’ thick edge, prompting commentator James Brayshaw to exclaim, “That is as good a catch as you will ever see! Steve Smith, my goodness!”
Trent Copeland and Allan Border were equally impressed, with Border declaring, “Best left hand in the business, Steve Smith.” Jacks’ dismissal was quickly followed by Stokes, leaving England in a precarious position at 8/227.
Kerry O’Keeffe’s Call for England’s Line-up Shake-up
Despite England’s struggles, commentator Kerry O’Keeffe urged the team to consider significant changes ahead of the third Test. He suggested promoting Will Jacks to open the batting, citing his sound technique, while advocating for the exclusion of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope.
“I’d open with him,” O’Keeffe said of Jacks. “I’d drop Ben Duckett – I think he’s unfit, and he’s bowlable to.” He also recommended moving Joe Root up the order. Former England captain Michael Vaughan supported the idea of including Jacob Bethell, who had shown promise in the England Lions’ match against Australia A.
As the Ashes series progresses, England faces mounting pressure to adapt and improve, while Australia revels in its recent triumphs. The next Test will undoubtedly test the mettle of both teams as they vie for supremacy in one of cricket’s most storied rivalries.
