Ben Stokes facing 'trip to the match referee' over fiery run-in with Labuschagne as teammate laughs off heated moment

England captain Ben Stokes could be penalised by the match referee after grabbing Aussie batter Marnus Labuschagne around the neck and then whacking him on the shoulder during a heated clash late on day two at the SCG.

Labuschagne and his batting partner Travis Head were pleading with the field umpires to call stumps as poor light hampered them during the chase.

It was between overs when Labuschagne spoke towards the umpires, prompting an infuriated Stokes to walk past and give the Aussie No.3 a spray, with words including what looked like "shut the f--k up".

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When Labuschagne said something back to Stokes, the touring captain marched towards his opponent and put an arm around his shoulders in an aggressive manner, before giving him a rough tap on the shoulder.

Under ICC laws rival players are not permitted to make contact with one another on purpose.

Last summer India veteran Virat Kohli was fined for deliberately running into teenage Aussie batter Sam Konstas during his innings in Melbourne.

Australian women's star Alyssa Healy conceded that Stokes could face some scrutiny.

"He might have a little trip to the match referee," she said.

"This is what we expect in an Ashes series - none of that situation, but a bit of spice and heat and frustration at times. It probably just reflects the series for England so far, it has been a frustrating one and particularly for someone like Ben Stokes.

"You want to see the passion and aggression and this is what Marnus lives for."

Labuschagne seemed to be all smiles after the incident, but that didn't last long when Stokes forced him into an edge and dismissed him for 48 just moments later.

"There was a little bit of fire," Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket at the close of play.

"We haven't seen a lot of anger or aggression or anything over the top during the series, it's been played in quite a friendly spirit - but it just got a little bit heated and maybe it's the fifth Test, everyone is getting a little bit tired.

"This little confrontation between Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne, the verbals started and we thought where has it been? It looked like it was done and dusted, a little bit of backchat … but something caught Stokes' attention and he goes back to Marnus.

"He actually puts his arm around him. I don't know if that was trying to diffuse the situation, but it still looked like it was pretty heated."

Brett Lee, who played in his fair share of Ashes series', claimed there wasn't much in it.

"Should you touch an opposition player? The answer is no. Is there anything wrong with that? I'd say no," the former Aussie fast-bowler said.

Australian bowler Michael Neser was asked after play whether he had a problem with another player touching the other but was careful in his reply saying "it depends on the context".

Neser also said he had no idea what was said between the too, but conceded Labuschagne has "a knack" for "getting under your skin".

"I think you're all aware of that... it's just the fact he is such a strong competitor," Neser said.

"It's just Marnus for you."

Australia finished the day at 2-166 with Head and nightwatchman Neser at the crease when stumps were called one ball into the final over due to rain.

The hosts are 218 runs behind England's first innings tally, which was mostly built off the back of an incredible century from Joe Root.