The Ashes Turns Fiery Again with Heated Labuschagne-Stokes Moment

ByAnupam Pandey,SportsCafe Editor

Today at 5:10 PM

The Ashes has seen some of the most heated contests with the bat and ball. But this time, the rivalry had a fiery exchange in the fifth Test, between Marnus Labuschagne and Ben Stokes. This incident reminds fans of the other heated moments involved in the history of The Ashes.

Right before the end of Day 2, The Ashes has taken a heated turn. And this all happened between Marnus Labuschagne and Ben Stokes a few minutes before the day's play was about to end. , showing the importance of the series.

Words were exchanged between both of them, but things were calmed down soon by the other players. A few things might have remained in their minds, which allowed Stokes to gain the upper hand in this rivalry. He was able to take the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne when he stood at 48, getting the much needed breakthrough.

Let's take a look at some of the fierce moments in The Ashes, where a battle of words took over the field.

1. Stokes vs Labuschagne: The Ashes 2025/26

During the Day 2 of the fifth Test, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head had a great stand for the second wicket. Ben Stokes was also smashed for two boundaries against Stokes in the 29th over. Later when Labuschagne came to bat, he stepped back from the crease just when Stokes was ready with his run up.

. After the over, Stokes went towards both batsmen and exchanged some words with Marnus Labuschagne. As Stokes was walking back, Labuschagne answered back and Stokes charged towards him. He also kept his hands on Labuschagne’s shoulder, exchanging more harsh words.

2. Anderson vs Smith: The Ashes 2017-18

During the 2017-18 Ashes, a heated moment took place between James Anderson and Steve Smith. This happened during the second Test, when Steve Smith was batting. As Smith stood at the non-striker end, Anderson deliberately came to the field near him, and some words were exchanged.

Pic Source: The Mirror

The matter escalated to such an extent that Aleem Dar had to step in and separate both players from each other. Anderson even revealed that his intention was to distract Steve Smith from the game. Eventually, the English team was able to dismiss Smith for a low score.

3. Pietersen vs Johnson: The Ashes 2013-14

Mitchell Johnson could be termed as one of the most aggressive bowlers the Australian team ever had. And this was proven with his clash against Kevin Pietersen during the 2013-14 Ashes series. Johnson was repeatedly bowling short balls and bouncer towards Kevin Pietersen. On one delivery, Pietersen stepped aside when Johnson was on his run up.

Mitchell Johnsons against Kevin Pietersen during the 2013-14 Ashes series.

Pic Source: India Today

Following this, Johnson threw the ball in anger, escalating the tensions between both of them. Later, he bowled a short ball and Pietersen was able to play it for a single. This time, both of them stood at one end, and words were exchanged. Johnson sledged Pietersen, but the latter was seen smiling at the words being said by Johnson.

4. Warner vs Broad: The Ashes 2019

It is not always the Australians who have been able to sledge the English players. Some English players have been able to reverse the roles, and one of them is Stuart Broad. He had several heated moments with David Warner on the field, as the umpires stepped in to ensure that the matter didn't escalate further.

Warner vs Broad heated moment on The Ashes 2019.

Pic Source: ESPNcricinfo

Broad was able to dismiss Warner with ease, and he even sledged Warner by calling him his Bunny. Later when Broad stood at the non striker’s end, Warner also came to sledge him, with some exchange of words. Even after their retirements, both players have been taking digs at one another online.

5. Bairstow’s Controversial Wicket: The Ashes 2023

One of the most controversial moments happened during the 2023 Ashes in the second Test. Alex Carey dismissed Jonny Bairstow, as he stumped him in a delivery against Cameron Green. It was a controversial moment, but Bairstow was ruled out, as the over was not declared as completed.

After his wicket was given, fans and even players started to give hatred to the Australian team on the crease. Some viral videos show how the Australian players were treated on their way back to the locker room. It was surely a , and one to remember for the fans in the history of The Ashes.