The closing moments of the Brisbane Test match delivered all the drama, with Steve Smith and Jofra Archer engaging in a heated exchange. Australia needed just 24 runs to seal the match when Smith walked to the crease, and the situation was quite comfortable for Australia. However, Archer had no intention of allowing an easy finish.
Archer thundered in at 150 km/h, with his eyes fixed on the man who has become both his greatest challenge and favourite target. Archer offered a few pointed words as he strolled back to his mark. Smith, unfazed, responded with a sarcastic clap and a wry smile.
"Bowl faster when there's nothing going on, champion," Smith was overheard saying to Archer on the stump mic.
Later at the post-match press conference, Smith, far from escalating the tension, suggested that their confrontation was simply part of the spectacle.
"He was just bowling (at) good pace, and (I'm) not really too sure what he said and not sure what I said either - and it's not really any of your business either, so we'll leave it out there," Smith said at the press conference.
Meanwhile, Smith blazed the winning runs, reaching 23 off nine balls to guide Australia to an eight-wicket win. Australia now lead the five-match series 2-0, with the third Test to be played in Adelaide, starting on December 17.