Watch: Steve Smith yells at Jonny Bairstow for giving him send-off on Day 2 of Third Ashes Test 

Steve Smith and Jonny Bairstow (Source: Twitter)

The Ashes 2023 has turned out to be much more intense than the previous editions as this time the battle has spiced up with some controversial incidents. Alex Carey's 'smart game' dismissal of Jonny Bairstow cost the game for England while it helped Australia to go 2-0 up in the five-match series. Although the Aussie wicketkeeper had every right to do so, it raised questions about the 'spirit of cricket'.

The Australians received massive boos from the English crowd for upholding the appeal, and they were abused and mocked after England lost the second Test at Lord's by 43 runs. Given the fact that a win or a draw at Headingley will help Australia retain the Ashes, Ben Stokes and co will need nothing more than a win. Bairstow's controversial dismissal has undoubtedly boosted England's will to win the series.

Meanwhile, Bairstow, batting in the first innings of the third Test, was seen tapping inside the crease several times and not moving out until the fielders moved to their fielding positions. However, the right-handed batter got into a more intense tussle with the opposition team in their second innings. The incident happened in the 28th over after Moeen Ali dismissed Steve Smith.

"What was that mate? Hey?" - Smith loses his cool

The Australia vice-captain, who is playing his 100th Test match, tried to flick off Moeen Ali's flighted delivery but ended up giving Ben Duckett an easy catch at short mid-wicket. As Smith walked back to the pavilion, Bairstow said something to him, which irked the former, who was already unhappy with his shot selection.

The stump mic captured the exchanges between the two, in which Bairstow initiated the conversation by saying “See ya Smudge". Smith, in a loud voice, asked the wicketkeeper: "What was that mate? Hey?". Bairstow then replied, "I said 'cheers, see ya later'."

But Smith decided not to aggravate the matter and returned to the pavilion after scoring 2 runs off 9 balls.

Watch the video below: 

"See ya, Smudge!" 👋

"What was that, mate?!? HEY!" 😠

Jonny Bairstow getting in Steve Smith's head 👀 pic.twitter.com/PyTKFuaC4s

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 7, 2023

Concerning the match, Australia managed to gain a slight lead in the first innings after bundling England for 237. The visitors are currently at 116 for 4 in 47 overs with Travis Head (18) and Mitchell Marsh (17) at the crease. Australia has a lead of 142 runs with two days to go in this Test.