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

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

England struggled to take wickets early on the second morning. Australia started the day at 326 for 8, with Mitchell Starc scoring quick runs with the seamers. Stokes turned to his batsman to get a quick wicket. However, Archer chose to play sustained short-pitched bowling at the tail end rather than targeting the stumps.

Watch: Ben Stokes engages in a heated exchange with Jofra Archer in the 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 clearly unhappy as the runs continued to flow. He was seen talking to Archer, frustrated with the way the spell was going. The skipper asked the bowler to target the stumps.

Ben Stokes tells Archer
My friend, don’t complain about field positions when you play 💩
He says “pot on logs” and yeah and look what happens #ash25@7 cricket #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/RFaoSnH02Z

– Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) December 17, 2025

Archer eventually got the breakthrough by dismissing Starc and ended the innings with five wickets. Stokes reacted with an animated gesture indicating that was what he wanted before walking off 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.

Ben Stokes’ expression when that wicket fell – Adam Gilchrist

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

Ben Stokes’ expression as well when that wicket fell. “That strong discussion between Archer and Stokes, that’s interesting,” Gilchrist said on Kayo Sports’ live Ashes coverage.

He added, “You feel as if Ben Stokes is acting on the edge of the abyss, and he talks about his confidence and belief in the players (after the loss in Brisbane), and his faith and trying to instill that and drag them with him. But he seems like he is on the edge of the abyss, like this important day.”

Jofra Archer is England’s best player in Adelaide

Jofra Archer was the choice of 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 cleaned up Starc bowled with a quality delivery to complete his five-wicket haul. England leaked late in the innings, allowing Australia to take their total to 372. The home side added 45 runs in eight overs during the second morning session.

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