After helping the debutant Harshit Rana to plan Nathan Lyon’s dismissal, Virat Kohli has yet again turned out a coach for the young pacer to dismiss Mitchell Starc on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
After being sledged by Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana had a last laugh, taking perfect revenge from the Australian pacer, all thanks to the legendary Virat Kohli, on Day 2 of the ongoing five-match Test series opener in Perth. Kohli asked Rana to bowl a bouncer, and it paid off well for the young gun.
Virat Kohli plays mentor to Harshit Rana to take revenge on Mitchell Starc
Well, Harshit Rana wrapped up Australia’s innings in dramatic fashion, dismissing Mitchell Starc to bowl the hosts out for a mere 104, with India taking a 46-run lead in the ongoing first Test in Perth. Delivering a good-length ball at 131 kph on off-stump, Rana forced Starc into a ruthless slog.
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The bat’s thick edge sent the ball soaring high into the air, creating a tense moment. However, Rishabh Pant, with full confidence, called off the gully fielder and positioned himself perfectly under it. He made no mistake, safely completing the catch to end Starc’s valiant knock of 26 off 112 balls.
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) November 23, 2024
Recap of Harshit Rana’s brilliance against Australia in Perth
Meanwhile, Harshit Rana had an impressive outing on his debut for India, as the young pacer finished the first innings with the stunning figures of 48/3 in his 15.2 overs, including three maiden overs, against Australia in the ongoing first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Travis Head was his maiden Test wicket on Day 1 of the Perth Test. It was a well-pitched delivery on a good length, angling in. Travis Head tried to defend from the back foot, but the ball moved away slightly, missed his bat, and hit the outside edge of the off stump.
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This is a massive breakthrough for the young pacer, as Head was cleaned bowled for just 11 off 13 balls against India. Then, Rana scalped his second wicket by removing Australian spin master Nathan Lyon. The young Indian pacer bowled a short ball, and Lyon was late to react, unable to get out of the way.
He tried to guide the ball to third man, but it hit his glove and went straight to third slip, where KL Rahul ensured Lyon was out for 5 off 16 balls in the ongoing first Test. On the other hand, Australia was dismissed for just 104 runs, which is their lowest first-innings score and the fourth lowest overall in Test cricket against India.
Australia makes itself embarrassed against India
The previous lowest first-innings score was 107, recorded in Sydney in 1947. Additionally, it was Australia’s third lowest total at home since 2000. Australians were dismissed for 85 and 98 runs against South Africa and England in Hobart and Melbourne, respectively, in 2016 and 2010.
Well, Team India secured a lead of 46 runs, and now they would like to extend their stunning form in the ongoing Perth Test against Australia.