Ben Stokes clashes with Jofra Archer in full-blown ugly fight during 3rd Ashes Test

England skipper Ben Stokes engaged in a fiery exchange with pacer Jofra Archer during the opening session on Day 2 (Thursday, December 18) of the third Test against Australia in Adelaide. The captain appeared unhappy with Archer’s bowling, as runs were flowing for the final wicket in the Australian first innings.

England struggled to take early wickets on the morning of the second day. Australia began the day at 326 for 8, and Mitchell Starc scored quick runs with the tailenders. Stokes turned to his strike bowler for quick wickets. However, Archer opted for sustained short-pitched bowling at the tail rather than targeting the stumps.

Watch: Ben Stokes Engaged in Heated Exchange With Jofra Archer in Adelaide Test

Mitchell Starc continued to frustrate England by scoring another half-century. Archer’s short-ball plan did not work, as Australia’s tail added more runs than England would have liked.

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Ben Stokes was visibly unhappy as the runs kept flowing. He was seen speaking to Archer, frustrated with how the spell was going. The skipper told the bowler to target the stumps.

Ben Stokes saying to Archer
Mate don't complain about the field placings when you bowl 💩
"Bowl on the stumps" he says and yep and look what happens #ashes25@7Cricket #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/RFaoSnH02Z

— Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) December 17, 2025

Archer eventually got the breakthrough by dismissing Starc and finished the innings with five wickets. Stokes reacted with an animated gesture that suggested it was what he wanted before walking over to celebrate.

There was a short pause before Archer responded to Stokes’ outstretched hand. The two later shared a high-five and exchanged a few more words.

The Expression of Ben Stokes When That Wicket Fell - Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist said the tense moment between Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer showed that the captain was operating under intense pressure. Gilchrist stated that Stokes appeared to be pushing himself and his team to the limit.

“The expression of Ben Stokes too when that wicket did fall. That strong discussion between Archer and Stokes, that’s intriguing,” Gilchrist said on Kayo Sports’ live Ashes coverage.

“You just feel like Ben Stokes is tinkering right on the edge, spoke about his trust and faith with the players (after the loss in Brisbane), his belief and trying to instil that and drag them with him. But it just feels like his right on the edge, such an important day this,” he added.

Jofra Archer England’s Best Bowler in Adelaide

Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers for England in Adelaide, using pace and control to keep Australia under pressure. After a difficult start to the Ashes series, he found his rhythm and finished with figures of 5 for 53 in the first innings.

Australia’s lower order frustrated England. Mitchell Starc scored a quick half-century, while Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon stayed at the crease long enough to add useful runs.

Archer clean-bowled Starc with a quality delivery to complete his five-wicket haul. England leaked runs late in the innings, allowing Australia to push their total to 372. The home team added 45 runs in eight overs during the second morning session.

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