The long-awaited Australian chapter of the Jofra Archer versus Steve Smith rivalry played out at the Gabba on Friday, but the script followed a familiar, frustrating pattern for England. Despite a wholehearted effort from the paceman, Smith remained unbowed, compiling an unbeaten 61 as Australia built a commanding lead on day two of the second Ashes Test.
A Duel Rooted in Ashes Folklore
The confrontation carries the weight of history. Their 2019 clash at Lord's, where a ferocious Archer bouncer concussed Smith, is etched into Ashes legend. For years, English fans dreamed of what Archer could achieve on the fast, bouncy tracks of Australia. That vision became reality in Perth a fortnight ago and now in Brisbane, under the floodlights with the pink ball. Yet, a critical statistic endures: in five Tests against Smith, Archer has still never taken his wicket.
Smith himself has never conceded that Lord's incident as a defeat, often pointedly noting he was "knocked out, not got out." His first innings back was a double century. The energy surrounding their meetings is box office, but the scorecard tells a different story.
A Punishing Spell Under the Brisbane Sun
Archer signalled his intent immediately. Having just dismissed Jake Weatherald, his first ball to Smith was a 146km/h (90.7mph) bouncer in the afternoon daylight, an astonishing speed for a short delivery. Smith evaded it comfortably.
Captain Ben Stokes, faced with breaking the pivotal Smith-Marnus Labuschagne partnership, kept Archer in the attack. The result was a gruelling seven-over spell either side of the first break, bowled in the peak heat. By the time the conducive dusk period arrived – the same window Australia had used to unleash Mitchell Starc to devastating effect the previous day – England's premier fast bowler was spent, his tank empty.
Smith Weathers the Storm to Take Control
When Archer returned after the second break under dark skies, his speeds had dipped into the 130s. He continued to probe, striking Smith on the gloves and testing him with the short ball. But the Australian maestro found answers every time: a hooked edge for four, a perfectly executed uppercut for six, a deft steer through gully.
It was a masterclass in controlled aggression and resilience. For all of Archer's endeavour, the telling blow never landed. In a twist of irony, Smith's wicket eventually fell to the weary bowling of Brydon Carse, gifting his wicket away after another commanding display.
The narrative of this great personal contest, for now, remains stronger in memory than in the present. At the Gabba, Archer toiled, swung, and bruised, but Smith, with two self-inflicted black eyes from earlier in the match, stood firm once more, tightening Australia's grip on the Ashes series.
