Brisbane, Australia – A heated exchange between Australian captain Steve Smith and England fast bowler Jofra Archer during the second Ashes Test at the Gabba has become a major talking point, but Smith is refusing to divulge the details of the on-field conversation. The incident occurred on Sunday during the final session of the fourth day, as Australia chased down a small target to secure a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

With Australia requiring just 65 runs for victory, Smith entered the fray with the score at 41-2. Tensions flared in the ninth over when Smith, after hitting Archer for a boundary, reportedly sledged the English pacer with the words, "Bowl fast when there's nothing going on, champion". Archer responded with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, one exceeding 150 km/h, which Smith attempted to pull, resulting in a missed shot. Archer then approached Smith, and the verbal exchange intensified.

Smith responded emphatically, dispatching Archer for a six and a four in quick succession. He took 10 runs from Archer's next two deliveries, further fueling the competitive fire between the two. Smith ultimately sealed the victory with another six, finishing with a rapid 23 off just nine deliveries.

Following the match, Smith was questioned about the specifics of the verbal altercation. However, the Australian captain remained tight-lipped, stating, "It stays on the field. It’s not really any of your business". He did, however, downplay any lingering animosity, describing the exchange as "good banter" between two fierce competitors. "He's a good competitor, and he comes hard," Smith added.

The confrontation between Smith and Archer was reminiscent of classic cricket rivalries, with fans and pundits labeling it a compelling fast-bowler-versus-batsman showdown. Throughout the series, Archer's pace and aggression have tested Smith's technique and temperament.

Despite the drama, Smith maintained his composure and ultimately had the last laugh, guiding Australia to a comfortable victory. While the exact words exchanged between Smith and Archer remain a secret, the incident added another chapter to their already fierce rivalry.