Australia’s stand-in skipper Steve Smith downplayed his heated altercation with England pacer Jofra Archer in the dying minutes of the second Ashes Test at Gabba, Brisbane.

The final session of the fourth day’s play saw Smith and Archer trying to get under each other's skin as they got into a war of words. Smith was clearly not impressed with Archer bowling one bouncer after the other, and he made his feelings known to the English speedster.

After failing to hit the ball for a boundary on the second delivery of the ninth over, Smith didn't take a backward step, as he told Archer, “Keep bowling fast when there is nothing going on, champion.”

The Australian stalwart’s remark came as Australia were just a few runs away from taking 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Smith’s comment clearly left Archer fuming as he continued to dish out bouncers. After Smith smashed a boundary on the third ball, the tearaway quick ran towards him and hurled some words. Smith didn't hold back as well, and the two had a go at each other.

However, Smith won the battle in the end, sealing the victory by hitting a six in the very same over. After being hammered for a maximum, Archer had nothing more to say, and he went back to his mark with a smile on his face.

After Australia's eight-wicket victory, former England cricketer-turned-commentator Isa Guha interviewed Steve Smith, and it was then the latter opened up about his duel with Archer.

Here's how the conversation unfolded:

Guha: “Some words out there. What was said with Archer?”

Smith: “It stays on the field. It's good banter, he is a good competitor, and he comes hard. So, it was good fun.”

The same question was then posed to Smith during the post-match press conference, where he told reporters: “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.”

When pressed further about their exchange, Smith responded back, saying, “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."

With this victory, Australia gained a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The two teams will now square off in the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, starting on December 17.