Steve Smith led the way with a scorching 23* off nine balls as the hosts finished in just ten overs, chasing a modest target of 65 in the second innings. In addition to Australia’s convincing victory, the second Ashes 2025–26 Test in Brisbane ended with intense exchanges that took place late on the last day. Australia took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after defeating England by eight wickets on December 6.
There was plenty of drama in the chase, though. One of the most talked-about moments of the Test was created when tensions between Smith and England pacer Jofra Archer erupted in the ninth over. Archer gave up four runs at the start of the over, and then a dot ball. He unleashed a powerful bouncer to the body on the third delivery. The ball brushed the glove before bouncing over the keeper for a boundary after Smith moved onto the back foot to pull but was only able to get a top edge. Smith and Archer spoke, and Ben Stokes, the captain of England, praised the effort. However, Smith decided not to answer then.
“Bowl fast when there’s nothing going on champion.”
Steve Smith v Jofra Archer was seriously spicy 🍿 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/jfa4PiZyb2
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2025
Smith was prepared this time, but Archer charged in again.
Steve smashed a short ball into the crowd for a huge six after it sat up nicely for the pull. Steve quickly lifted his palms in response to Archer’s sarcastic smirk as he returned to his target, this time without saying anything further.
Smith smashed Gus Atkinson for a final-ball six to end the match in style, adding to the already intense emotions. He experienced an exuberant moment with teammate Jake Weatherald, yelled in celebration, and was filled with energy. Smith’s superiority in that ferocious mini-battle was demonstrated by the shot, which was a clean pull over the leg side.
Mitchell Starc, who took eight wickets and scored a crucial 77 runs with the bat, was named Player of the Match for his exceptional all-around effort. In the current Ashes series, it was his second such honour. Now that Australia has maintained its impressive pink-ball record, the teams will travel to Adelaide for the third Test, which is set to start at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, December 17.
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