Ricky Ponting Tears Into England Star for Incident in Humiliating Ashes Defeat

Ricky Ponting launched a brutal criticism of an England star for their involvement in a heated incident on the fourth day of England's humiliating defeat in Brisbane.

England lost the second Ashes Test match by eight wickets, leaving them on the brink of yet another series defeat in Australia.

Despite a spirited fightback from captain Ben Stokes and Will Jacks, they could only set the hosts a final-innings target of 65.

Travis Head and Jake Weatherald opening the batting, with Head making 22 before he was bowled by Gus Atkinson.

Atkinson then removed Marnus Labuschagne, bringing Australia captain Steve Smith to the crease.

When the new ball became available, Jofra Archer, who was already in the attack, bowled with even more pace.

But that did not deter Smith, who swept one of Archer's deliveries to the boundary for four runs.

Steve Smith and Jofra Archer were involved in a tense exchange (Image: Getty)

Archer was then heard saying: "You only play those shots when there's not much on the score, mate."

Smith fired back instantly, responding: "[You only] bowl fast when there's nothing going on, champion."

Archer did not take kindly to the Aussie's comments and the pair engaged in a tense mid-game exchange.

After the match, Smith spoke to Cricket Australia about the confrontation.

He said: "That stays on the field.

"That was good banter, he's a good competitor and he comes hard at ya so that's fun."

Then in the post-match press conference, Smith said he was "not sure" exactly what was said and insisted it was not anyone's business.

Steve Smith at the crease on day four of the Ashes Test (Image: Getty)

Now, former Australian bowler and current assistant coach Ponting has defended his captain by joining the criticism of Archer.

He said: "Jofra finally came to life, six days into the series when the second Test match is gone he starts chirping.

"Too late for that, champ."

After posting his highest Test score with 38 in the first innings, Archer struggled with the ball, returning figures of 1-87.

The England player then added just five runs in the second innings before delivering a wicketless five-over spell as Australia wrapped up the match.

Archer was not the only England bowler to disappoint with the pink ball in Brisbane.

Legendary England bowler Stuart Broad described the performance as the worst bowling display under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum and one of the worst he has seen since 2008.

He told Sky Sports the attack had "made it easy for the Australia batters."

Broad also questioned England's selection, arguing Archer, Atkinson and Brydon Carse all offered too similar a style of bowling.