Ashes 2019: Matthew Wade and Jofra Archer indulge in stare-off contest at The Oval

The final day of the just-concluded Ashes witnessed an intriguing battle between England pacer Jofra Archer and Australia batsman Matthew Wade. While both the players have played for Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, there was absolutely little camaraderie between the two during the exhilarating duel. With a defeat inevitable for Australia, Wade tried his best to delay the result.

Archer, on the other hand, was growing frustrated and decided to give Wade a tough time on the field. He peppered the left-handed batsman with the short-pitched deliveries. Wade, who was batting on 78, maintained his composure and did not go for any fancy shot. The duel continued as Archer tried his best to get the better of Wade.

What made the contest interesting was the small incidents that followed almost every delivery. Between deliveries, the two exchanged glares and stares but only a few words. Archer, in fact, also gave Wade a sarcastic clap once. But perhaps the finest moment of the contest came after the final ball of the 55th over.

Archer came running in from round the wicket and fired in a 90.5 mph bouncer directed at Wade’s body. However, the batsman just ducked down and let the ball pass. A frustrated Archer then walked up to Wade and stared at him for a few good seconds before the latter decided to see in another direction.

Here are the clips showing the duel between Jofra Archer and Matthew Wade: 

Matthew Wade, meanwhile, went on to score a fine century. It was his second century of the series but was just not enough for Australia to save the game. England beat the visitors by 135 runs to draw the five-match series 2-2. Chasing an improbable 399, Australia were all out for 363.

Matthew Wade on the contest

Speaking at the end of the match, Wade said that he was confident of taking on Archer while the latter wanted to hit him on his head.

“I felt like I could deal with what he was delivering. And he obviously thought he could rip my head off or get me out. It was a good battle. There was a little bit of banter, no words really, just good hard Test cricket,” said Wade.

“That’s a long way away … I feel like I’ve shown in the heat of the battle, in a tough series against world-class bowlers, that I can stand up against them,” he added.