During Day 2 of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, a light-hearted moment brought some levity to an otherwise tense contest when England captain Ben Stokes was seen reacting animatedly toward Jofra Archer following a key contribution from the fast bowler. The brief exchange quickly caught viewers’ attention, sparking a flurry of reactions online as fans enjoyed Stokes’ expressive gesture.
England’s position in the match had been under pressure for much of the second day, with their batting lineup struggling against a disciplined Australian attack. As play progressed, Archer’s return to the crease and subsequent fightback with the bat alongside Stokes helped England reach a more respectable tally by the close of play. The pair put on a resilient partnership that kept hopes alive despite trailing significantly.
The animated moment came after Archer helped stem the tide, and Stokes was seen thanking his teammate with a lively gesture that conveyed both relief and appreciation. Given the mounting frustration of England supporters as wickets fell around them, the interaction provided a rare moment of humour amid difficult circumstances.
Social media users were quick to notice the interaction, posting clips and comments highlighting how Stokes’ personality shone through even in a challenging phase. Fans reacted with amusement, noting that the skipper’s animated response captured both the pressure of the situation and the camaraderie within the England team.
Ben Stokes saying to Archer
— Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) December 17, 2025
Mate don't complain about the field placings when you bowl 💩
"Bowl on the stumps" he says and yep and look what happens #ashes25@7Cricket #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/RFaoSnH02Z
The backdrop to this light-hearted exchange was a tough day for England, in which their batters repeatedly struggled against Australia’s bowlers. While players like Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope fell cheaply, Stokes and Archer’s efforts provided crucial resistance, helping England avoid an earlier collapse and giving supporters something to cheer about.
Although the match remained firmly in Australia’s favour by the end of Day 2, moments like Stokes’ animated thanks to Archer added a human element to the high drama of Ashes cricket. Fans appreciated seeing leadership and personality shine through under pressure, offering a reminder that even in tough contests, there are moments that bring smiles amid the intensity.