Steve Smith, Ricky Ponting launch brutal Jofra Archer take-downs in Aussie romp

Steve Smith and Ricky Ponting had some choice words for England quick Jofra Archer after Australia cantered to a 2-0 series lead.

Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser starred with the ball and Steve Smith provided the closing fireworks as Australia romped to another one-sided victory in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba.

England showed some desperately needed fight over the first half of day four, with Ben Stokes and Will Jacks producing a 96-run stand for the seventh wicket.

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But from the moment stand-in skipper Smith snatched a brilliant reflex catch to remove Jacks (see the video player above), England crumbled to lose 4/17 and be bowled out for 241.

That left the home side needing just 65 runs for victory and while Australia lost two wickets, Smith ensured there would be no more hiccups as he smashed 23 from just nine balls in a T20-style innings to guide the hosts home.

Jofra Archer made a very late bid to lift his side, bowling with some steam and getting stuck into a war of words with Smith.

But there was only going to be one winner of that brief stoush as Australia grabbed a commanding 2-0 series advantage.

Mitchell Starc, the star of day three after his 77 with the bat and two late wickets, took a second straight player of the match award.

Neser’s maiden five-wicket haul, and Smith’s three catches, were the standout moments on Sunday before only 10 overs were need to chase down the winning runs.

Huge questions are being asked of England’s preparation for the series, despite the Poms remaining adamant they did all they could to get ready to face Australian conditions.

Yet the hosts could claim the urn in Adelaide when the third Test gets underway on December 17.

Originally published as Steve Smith, Ricky Ponting launch brutal Jofra Archer take-downs in Aussie romp