Overview:
Ponting expressed confusion over England’s sudden change in attitude after being thoroughly outplayed for four days.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has taken aim at England pacer Jofra Archer for his aggressive outburst during Australia’s eight-wicket victory in the second Ashes Test at Gabba, labelling his confrontation with stand-in captain Steve Smith as “too little, too late.”
Jofra Archer, who had struggled with line and length throughout the match, suddenly ramped up to nearly 150 kmph while defending 64. The fast bowler relentlessly targeted Steve Smith with a series of bouncers, sparking a fiery exchange between the two just moments before Australia sealed an eight-wicket victory to take a dominant 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
During his commentary for Channel 7, Ricky Ponting criticised Jofra Archer for his aggression, which he felt came late in the match. Ponting remarked that Archer’s hostile approach only materialized once the result was confirmed.
“I like it, I like it. Jofra’s finally woken up after six days into the series. The second Test was already decided, and he started talking. Too little, too late, mate, and that’s exactly what Smithy told him: ‘Bowling fast now, mate, after the game’s done – well done,” Ponting said.
Steve Smith is excited to face Mayank Yadav in the next Border–Gavaskar Trophy.
This is what Jofra Archer did to him who is slower than Mayank Yadav. Imagine Smith’s condition if he faces Indian express Mayank Yadav.
Smudge gets Ready for Chin music.pic.twitter.com/dVXRnezfSY
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) April 3, 2024
The interaction between the two players soon went viral, with Archer being heard telling Smith,”You only play those shots when the score doesn’t matter, mate,” to which Smith fired back, “You only bowl fast when there’s nothing happening, champion.”
Ponting expressed confusion over England’s sudden change in attitude after being thoroughly outplayed for four days. “Now they’ve all decided to step up. Too late, boys. You had your opportunity for four days, and you weren’t good enough. It’s too late to start now.”
Ponting dismissed the notion that Archer has the upper hand over Smith in Tests, pointing out that despite their famous 2019 Ashes clash, where Archer injured Smith with a bouncer, he has never dismissed Smith in Test cricket, conceding 130 runs from 220 balls.
“I’m not going to say much because I don’t want to jinx it. I’ll just let the facts speak for themselves. The perception, especially in the UK, is that Archer has had the upper hand over Steve Smith. Well, that’s simply not true.”
Ponting noted that the intense moments at the Gabba were a true reflection of what Ashes cricket is all about, but added that Australia’s strong performance in the first two Tests has given England little room for mistakes.
“It’s on now. This is what Ashes cricket is all about. I can feel the hair on the back of my neck standing up, I’ll tell you that,” he concluded.
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