The Ashes: Steve Smith owns Jofra Archer before crushing winning runs to give Australia 2-0 lead

Steve Smith has fired off an epic sledge as he maintained his dominance over English firebrand Jofra Archer before sending Australia 2-0 up in the Ashes.

The fighting Ashes spirit finally reached its hottest in the final overs of the second Test at the Gabba as Australia cruised to their total of 65 to win with eight wickets to spare.

With Smith new to the crease, Archer went after him with short balls; the English quick finally delivered at full potential, his average speed in the second innings sitting just under 150km/h.

Smith hit the first one for four before missing a ramp, prompting the Barbados-born bowler to have a few words.

However, it took just one sentence for the stand-in skipper to sum up England’s efforts.

“Bowl fast when there’s nothing going on, champion,” he delivered, the words etched into Ashes folklore by the stump mic.

Archer went short at the body again next ball but could only watch as Smith top edged one for four and then sent the next over fine leg for a maximum, much to the delight of the Gabba fans.

“It just felt like a chance to play a few shots,” Smith said post-game.

“He was obviously bowling pretty quick to the short boundary behind, and I thought I’d try and hit a few up and get a hold of a couple.

“We were in a nice spot there and tried to finish it quick.

“That stays on the field, but nah, it was good banter. He’s a good competitor, he comes hard at you, and it’s good fun.”

Smith then hit the winning runs off Gus Atkinson with a six over square leg.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting loved the exchange and emphatically backed Smith’s response.

“I like it,” he said on Channel 7 commentary.

“Jofra’s finally come to life. Six days into the series, and the Test match is gone, he starts chirping.

“Too late for that, champ. That’s what Smithy said to him as well: ‘Bowl quick now mate when the game’s over, good on ya’.

“They’ve all started. Too late, boys. You’ve had your chance for four days. You haven’t been good enough, and it’s too late to start.”