Follow UsWalking in to bat with just 24 runs needed to win, Steve Smith seemed to be in a hurry to finish things off quickly in the second Test at the Gabba. The fact that Jofra Archer was bowling at a rapid pace and had something to say to Smith further fuelled him, as the Australia skipper ended his innings unbeaten on 23 off just nine deliveries - with 15 runs coming in an over.
The duo seemed to have a go at each other during the final stages of the match, but Smith did not reveal what was said, as he believes what happens on the field stays on it.
"I just felt right then, just to play a few shots. He was obviously bowling pretty quick to the short boundary behind. I thought I'd try and hit a few up and try and get a hold of a couple, so yeah, we were in a nice spot there and tried to finish it quick," Smith said after the match.
Speaking on the exchange with Archer, Smith, who slammed 61 in the first innings, said, "It stays on the field (smiles). Nah, good banter. He's a good competitor, he comes harder, so it was good fun."
Archer has never dismissed Smith in Tests, but was the bowler who forced the batter back to the pavilion during the Ashes 2019 in England after hitting him on the head.
Given the history between the two, Smith was once again asked at the post-match press conference about what was said. However, the batter once again did not get sucked into it.
“The adrenaline was pumping right there at the end. We didn't need too many to win and Jofra was bowling quick. Short boundary behind me, so I thought, why not get under it and put a few behind the stands,” Smith said.
“He was bowling at a good pace and was not sure what exactly he said. Not sure what I said either. It's not really any of your business either (laughs). So we will leave it out there."
Under Smith, Australia are 2-0 up in the five-match Ashes Test, after winning both the Tests in Perth and Brisbane by eight wickets. However, with Pat Cummins set to return for the third Test, Smith said he was happy to hand over the reins to the pacer.
"Yeah, all his. No, it [leading the side] has been fun. The last couple of games, the boys have put on some terrific performances and done everything I’ve said. So, give it back to Patty [Cummins] and let him take it," he said.
The crucial third Test in Adelaide will be played from December 17 onwards.