Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has faced a tough Test series so far as he has not looked in rhythm. However, he was at his best on day four of Australia’s second-round Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Siraj seemed to be in great rhythm with the ball from the start. When Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins were building a good partnership for Australia, Siraj provided India with the lead it desperately needed at that stage.
It was an excellent long ball outside off stump that came back sharply to hit Labuschagne on the pad flap of his back leg. It was released by referee Michael Gove after a huge plea from the Indian players. However, Marnus Labuschagne decided to conduct a review.
The ball hit Labuschagne a little high but ball tracking showed the ball clipping the top of middle stump. It was enough for the referee to stick with his original decision. Mohammed Siraj was motivated after picking up the wicket and emulating the way Australian Sam Konstas handled the crowd.
Watch: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father touches Sunil Gavaskar’s feet after his son’s maiden Test century
Watch: Mohamed Siraj shines after trapping Marnus Labuschagne in front
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Siraj takes Labuschagne by surprise! Third wicket for DSP Sahab #AUSvINDOnStar Fourth test, fourth day | Live now! | #The toughest competition #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/i3eMomntZl
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 29, 2024
During India’s first innings of the match, young debutant Sam Konstas performed a similar celebration as he interacted with the crowd. Earlier in the day, Jaspritten Bumrah also performed a similar celebration when he picked up the wicket of Sam Konstas.
A fight between Marnus Labuschagne and Mohamed Siraj
It has been a high voltage series so far with players and fans from both teams engaged in individual battles. Mohamed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne were up against each other a few times in the previous Test as well.
This was Siraj’s third wicket of the day and one of his best days in the series. He was not at his best in this series and looked out of rhythm. However, Mohammed Siraj returned with a bang and provided perfect company for Jasprit Bumrah.
Mohamed Siraj is in good rhythm
Siraj’s pace was also high which meant he was in good rhythm. While Siraj looked good with the ball, Bumrah continued to impress with his exceptional skills and quality of wicket-taker.
The series witnessed numerous incidents on the field when players would confront each other in an attempt to disrupt their concentration. Virat Kohli’s shoulder barge with Sam Konstas sparked a lot of controversy, with the Australian crowd even booing him for his actions.
Not only the fans, but the Australian media also used words like ‘clown’ to describe Kohli, which was heavily criticized by former Indian cricketers as well.
