NEW DELHI: Tensions flared on Day 2 of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the SCG as England captain Ben Stokes and Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne were involved in a fiery on-field exchange, with neither player willing to back down.

The flashpoint occurred at the end of the 29th over after Travis Head struck Ben Stokes for consecutive boundaries. Labuschagne appeared to exchange a few words at that moment, which seemed to provoke a sharp reaction from the England skipper.

As Stokes walked past the Australian fielders, he was seen trading words with Labuschagne and making a pointed gesture in his direction, which further fuelled the tension.

The England captain then turned back towards the batter and placed an arm around his shoulders in what appeared to be a firm, confrontational manner. The two continued their verbal exchange until the on-field umpire stepped in to defuse the situation, allowing both players to move on.

While the exact words exchanged remain unknown, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting suggested on Channel 7 that Stokes appeared to tell Labuschagne, "Three times, three times you've done it to me."

Stokes also seemed to snap at Labuschagne, telling him to be quiet as the Australian continued to respond. Commentating on Fox Cricket, Mark Waugh weighed in on the moment, saying "Marnus Labuschagne is hanging around like, 'I shouldn't be out here', but you can't play the game that way. You're out there. You're playing. You've got to get on with it."

The confrontation proved costly almost immediately. On the very next delivery, Labuschagne - who had shown excellent judgement until then - played an uncharacteristically loose shot and chipped the ball straight to Jacob Bethell at gully, handing England a simple catch.