'Don't complain about...': Adelaide Test witnesses Stokes-Archer verbal spat
What's the story
England skipper Ben Stokes and speedster Jofra Archer were involved in a heated exchange during the third Ashes Test against Australia at Adelaide Oval. The incident occurred after Archer's impressive bowling performance in Australia's first innings, where he dismissed Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. However, England's bowlers struggled to take quick wickets early on Day 2, leading to frustration among the visitors. While the tail-enders took Australia to 371, Archer claimed a fifer.
Communication breakdown
Archer's bowling strategy sparks disagreement
The disagreement in Adelaide is believed to have stemmed from Archer's bowling strategy. He and Brydon Carse were criticized for bowling "too short" and to the off-stump, a mistake England's bowlers had made at The Gabba. This allowed Starc to score freely off both bowlers on Day 2. After chatting with Stokes, Archer bowled a fuller delivery that swung into Starc, who mistimed his forward drive, resulting in his wicket.
Decoded conversation
Lip-reader decodes Stokes-Archer exchange
After Archer celebrated Starc's wicket with his teammates, the atmosphere between him and Stokes turned tense. A lip-reader has since revealed what was said during their exchange. According to Fox Cricket, Stokes was seen telling Archer: "Mate, don't complain about the field placings when you bowl s***." He also appeared to say: "bowl on the stumps and look what happens." The report added that the England captain seemed to be telling his bowler to "shut the f*** up."
Partnership
Archer, Stokes pair up to save England
In response to Australia's total, England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett added 37 runs in quick time. However, the visitors were down to 71/5 in no time. Despite their earlier spat, Archer and Stokes later batted together in an attempt to salvage England's innings. They formed a 45-run partnership off 83 balls before stumps. England will resume from 213/8 on Day 3.