Stump mic reveals Jofra Archer sledge that sparked Steve Smith ‘champion’ swipe as Ben Stokes takes aim at Aussie rookie

The stump mic has now revealed what Jofra Archer said to Steve Smith during the final day of the second Ashes Test.

Smith could be heard sledging Archer for bowling fast when the Aussies only needed 65 to win, which they knocked off with relative ease, losing just two wickets.

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But it turns out it was Archer started it and not the stand-in Australia captain.

The England fast bowler has been picked up on the stump mic saying: “Likes to play shots when there’s not much on the scoreboard.”

This prompted Smith to say: “Bowl fast when there’s nothing going on, champion.”

And Smith then started smashing Archer to all parts of the ground, with the England star still to get him out in Test cricket despite their infamous battle in 2019 at Lord’s.

Meanwhile, there were more words exchanged down the other end between Aussie opener Jake Weatherald and Ben Stokes.

This was just Weatherald’s second Test for Australia, but he wasn’t afraid to have a go at Stokes.

He is 31, but in terms of Test cricket, he is a rookie.

Initially, Weatherald had a go at Archer.

He said: “Spit it out if you’re going to say something.

“Finally rocked up.”

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In response, Stokes stepped in, and said: “You got 70 and started chatting.”

But Weatherald didn’t back down: “I was only saying something because you were saying something now.”

Stokes then ended the conversation: “I say it with a smile on my face though Jake.”

Catalyst?

England are 2-0 down in the most-anticipated Ashes series Down Under for a long time after being outplayed in all three departments by Australia.

The tourists have had moments of success and being on top in both Tests on a couple of occasions, but they haven’t taken advantage of those, and Stokes questioned the mentality of the team in the aftermath of this defeat at The Gabba.

Speaking in his post-match interview, he warned that Australia wasn’t a place for weak men and said: “There is a saying that we have said a lot here – Australia is not for weak men.

“A dressing room that I am captain of is not a place for weak men either.”

He later clarified that he didn’t think any of his players fit into that category, but changes could be around the corner after several disappointing displays in Brisbane.

However, bar one little spat between Brydon Carse and Marnus Labuschagne, this series has been played in good spirits, but this could prove to be a turning point.

There was a similar moment during England’s 2-2 draw with India earlier this year as well.

In truth, it could be what England need, they have to show some aggression and fight to try and somehow recover this series.

Of course, the Aussies are set to welcome captain Pat Cummins back into the fold, which will only make England’s job harder.

But equally, that sledging and chirping came when the game was basically over, leaving many people wondering where was it when they needed it on day two?