Ricky Ponting delivered a strong rebuke to England pacer Jofra Archer after a heated on-field exchange with Steve Smith during the closing stages of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. The tense moment unfolded late on Day 4 when Archer unleashed a series of sharp bouncers exceeding 149 kmph, attempting to rattle Smith despite Australia already being firmly in control of the match.
Smith fired back with a cutting sledge, telling Archer, “Bowl fast when there is nothing going on, champion,” sparking a brief verbal clash between the two. The Australian star had the final say moments later by smashing a four and a six before Australia sealed a dominant win, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series and moving within touching distance of retaining the Ashes urn.
Archer’s pace in the first innings was noticeably lower, but both sides bowled with maximum intensity in the final innings as England attempted to defend a small target of 64. Ponting, unimpressed by Archer’s late aggression, criticised the timing of the pacer’s chirping while commentating on Channel 7.
According to Ponting, Archer’s sudden burst of energy came far too late to influence the match. He reminded viewers that despite widespread belief in the UK, Archer has never dismissed Smith in Test cricket—even though their rivalry escalated dramatically in the 2019 Ashes following Archer’s bouncer that concussed Smith at Lord’s.
Ponting insisted that the narrative suggesting Archer has the upper hand is “factually incorrect,” emphasising that Smith has consistently handled the England pacer in the longest format. With both players reigniting their rivalry, Ponting added that this fiery confrontation is exactly what Ashes cricket embodies—high drama, intensity and unfiltered competitive spirit.
