Australia defeated England by 8 wickets in Brisbane Test to go 2-0 up in ongoing Ashes.
Australia defeated England in the second Test of the Ashes 2025-26 that was played at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 7, 2025. The hosts took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series with an impressive eight-wicket victory on Sunday.
However, just before the hosts' final victory, Australia's stand-in skipper Steve Smith and England's tearaway quick Jofra Archer clashed.
During the final session on Day 4, the couple got into a violent verbal altercation, and neither seemed willing to back down. However, Smith eventually won the battle, hammering Archer for 4, 4, and 6 in the ninth over of the final innings.
Smith made his intentions apparent after hitting a boundary on the first ball of the ninth over. After the second ball, though, things reached a breaking point because the legendary Australian had a few words to say to the English pacer.
“Bowl fast when there is nothing on, champion,” said Smith while looking at Archer, and this clearly riled up the England quick.
Archer then delivered a bouncer, which Smith managed to score a boundary off. The England bowler, who was regularly bowling at speeds of 149-150 kmph, approached the Australian batters to offer a few words. Smith did not back down, and the two continued to argue.
However, Smith eventually won the battle, hitting a six off another bouncer bowled by the 30-year-old. Archer had nothing to say when the ball went over the boundary rope, and he returned to his bowling position with a smile.
England managed 241 in the second innings, with Ben Stokes (50) and Will Jacks (41) trying to delay the inevitable. Michael Neser starred with 5/42. Set 65 runs to win. Travis Head made 22, and Steve Smith’s 23* helped Australia win by 8 wickets to go 2-0 up in the five-Test series.