Mark howard

The Howie Games: Australia batter Steve Smith has revisited one of the most dramatic duels in modern Test cricket — his unforgettable clash with England speedster Jofra Archer during the 2019 Ashes at Lord’s. Speaking on Fox Cricket’s The Howie Games podcast with Mark Howard, Smith opened up about the fierce contest that left him bruised and concussed, but ultimately cemented his legend in Ashes folklore.

“It was dark and overcast. It was pretty challenging,” Smith recalled. “Obviously, it was his first Test match. I’m sure he was up and about. He was quite quick that spell. It was tricky. I was trying to find a way to navigate through it. The wicket was tough. I was trying to find a way to play it with the variable bounce. It was hard work.”

Smith, unbeaten on 80 at the time, was struck twice by Archer — first on the arm, then on the neck — forcing him to retire hurt. The incident brought Lord’s to a standstill and marked the birth of one of cricket’s fiercest on-field rivalries.