Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The Ashes rivalry rarely needs extra fuel, but on the second day of the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Ben Stokes And Marnus Labuschagne I poured gasoline on the fire. In a series already marked by intense competition, tensions finally boiled over during a dramatic showdown late in the afternoon. The incident saw the England captain and Australian number 3 get into a heated exchange involving colorful language and an unusually physical confrontation which immediately became the biggest talking point of the match.
Ben Stokes engages in heated exchange with Marnus Labuschagne
The backdrop to the incident was a difficult final session on the second day. Australia looked to build a substantial lead in the first innings, and Labuschagne was doing what he does best: occupying the field and irritating the opposition with his unique ways. As the session progressed, the light on Sydney began to fade. Labuschagne, ever the perfectionist when it came to batting conditions, began complaining to the umpires and repeatedly straying from his position as the bowlers approached the crease.
For Stokes, who bowled relentlessly and was desperate to take wickets before the end of play, these delaying tactics became increasingly infuriating. The atmosphere became tense with each aborted swing and each complaint about the light. The dam eventually failed during a Stokes collapse. After continuing to chirp and stall from the Australian batter, the England captain snapped. The stump microphones left little to the imagination, clearly capturing Stokes aggressively telling Labuschagne to “shut your mouth.”**
However, the incident did not end with a verbal volley. In a move that stunned viewers and commentators, Stokes walked directly towards Labuschagne in the middle of the field and wrapped his arm tightly around the batter’s neck and shoulders. Although some might try to pass it off as a friendly gesture, the body language was anything but friendly. In his comments, former Australian star Mark Waugh immediately highlighted the assault, remarking that for a second he thought Stokes was about to put Labuschagne in a “headlock”.
Here is the video:
Things got pretty heated 👀#Ashes pic.twitter.com/UHum32WUH0
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2026
ALSO READ: Fans go berserk as Travis Head decimates England on day three of Sydney Test
Stokes has the last word
Just moments after the verbal spray and physical contact, Stokes rushed in to initiate his very next round. Channeling his aggression into his delivery stride, he induced a crucial advantage from Labuschagne. The catch was taken sharply at Gully, dismissing the Australian for 48 and ending a dangerous partnership with Travis Head.
Australia in charge after Travis Head’s century
Meanwhile, Australia tightened their grip on the third day of the Test after a convincing post-lunch session that yielded 96 runs from 26 overs but also saw three important wickets fall. Head’s century continued to weigh heavily on the contest, although he was dismissed early in the session, caught off guard by a brutal delivery from Jacob Bethell. Usman Khawaja then joined Steve Smith for a largely calm passage of play as England worked hard with the old ball, before opting to take the second new ball immediately after it became available. This decision bore fruit since Brydon Carse Khawaja lbw trapped with a low, full toss, and Alex Carey‘s positive intent once again proved costly as he fell into the leg stump trap for the third time in as many Tests this series.
Smith, however, has been rock solid at the crease, and with Cameron Green always looking for races and Beau Webster And Mitchell Starc to follow, Australia remains in a position of strength. That said, with signs of an uneven bounce already visible, the hosts will be keen to push for a significant lead, knowing that batting last on this surface could be a tricky proposition.
ALSO READ: Ricky Ponting selects Australia’s 16-man squad for 2027 Ashes; picks two uncapped players
