India, Dec. 7 -- Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting minced no words as he criticised Jofra Archer publicly for trying to sledge Steve Smith in the final few minutes of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. The concluding moments on Day 4 saw Archer and Smith involved in an intense and heated exchange in the middle after the pacer delivered one bouncer after another. The 30-year-old was cranking it up by constantly dishing out deliveries over 149 kmph, but his effort came too late as Australia were already in a comfortable position.

Smith also let his feelings known to the speedster as he hurled out the ultimate sledge, telling Archer, "Bowl fast when there is nothing going on, champion." This riled the tearaway quick and he...