Steve Smith vs Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer

Steve Smith leads Australia at Perth in the absence of skipper Pat Cummins. Though Jofra Archer has never dismissed Smith in a Test, their fierce rivalry from the 2019 series — the England pacer’s debut series — is memorable. Archer’s express pace and short-pitched bowling forced Smith to retire hurt with concussion after being hit on the helmet at Lord’s. Smith must maintain focus on a pace-friendly, bouncy Perth wicket, while Archer enters the contest confident after claiming nine wickets in two Tests against India.