Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Archer vs. Smith battle could be pivotal in Ashes, says Finn
Imagine a big cricket game called the Ashes between England and Australia.
A former player named Steven Finn thinks that a showdown between England's fast bowler Jofra Archer and Australia's great batter Steve Smith will be super important.
Even though Archer has never gotten Smith out in a big game before, he once hit Smith hard with a fast ball that made him dizzy.
Finn says Smith should be careful, but Smith loves playing against England and is still really good, even if his recent scores aren't his best.
Finn suggests England might try bowling fast, short balls at Smith on Australia's hard fields, like other teams have done.
The first big game is on November 21 in Perth, and everyone is excited to watch this fight between the two players.
Former England bowler Steven Finn believes the contest between Jofra Archer and Steve Smith will be key in the Ashes.
Finn noted that Archer has never dismissed Smith in a Test match, though he did injure him with a bouncer in 2019.
Archer is now fit and expected to be a major part of England's pace attack.
Finn cautioned England against underestimating Smith, who he believes is still at the peak of his powers despite recent statistics.
A potential tactic suggested by Finn is using short-pitched bowling against Smith on Australia's hard tracks.
- Who
- Former England international Steven Finn
- What
- Discussed the potential impact of the Jofra Archer vs. Steve Smith battle in the upcoming Ashes series.
- When
- Leading up to the first Test on November 21
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- Finn believes this personal duel could be a pivotal moment in the series.
Steve Smith's Current Form
England's Tactical Approach
Smith's Form
Steve Smith's Current Form
Steve Smith might be on the wane, with his statistics in the last couple of years not at his usual high level.
England's Tactical Approach
Despite statistical dips, Smith is still at the peak of his powers, loves scoring against England, and thrives in Ashes pressure, particularly at number four.
Bowling Strategy Against Smith
Steve Smith's Current Form
Jofra Archer has never dismissed Steve Smith in a Test match.
England's Tactical Approach
Archer's past fiery bowling, including a 2019 bouncer that concussed Smith, and the potential strategy of short-pitched bowling on hard Australian tracks could be effective.
- Former Player's Name
- Steven Finn
- Key Players
- Jofra Archer, Steve Smith
- Match Context
- Ashes series in Australia
- Archer's Past Performance vs. Smith
- Archer has never taken Smith's wicket in a Test match.
- 2019 Encounter
- Archer struck Smith with a 92mph bouncer, leaving him bruised and concussed.
- First Test Date
- November 21
- First Test Location
- Perth