India pacer Mohammed Siraj and Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne had a humorous exchange, with the bowler going on to switch the bails at the batter’s end. The incident between Mohammed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne took place on Day 1 of the fourth Test in Melbourne on Thursday, December 26.
Australian debutant Sam Konstas delivered a memorable performance in the Boxing Day Test match. The right-handed batter scored a rapid fifty against India’s world-class bowling attack at the MCG. He used ramps, scoops, and slogs to dominate, reaching his maiden Test half-century in just 52 deliveries.
The 19-year-old became the third-fastest Australian debutant to score fifty in Tests, behind Adam Gilchrist and Ashton Agar. Konstas was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja for 60 runs off 65 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes. The youngster received a well-deserved standing ovation from the MCG crowd.
Mohammed Siraj Switches Bails on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test
The scoring tempo slowed down after Sam Konstas’ dismissal. Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne then formed a cautious 65-run partnership for the second wicket. Mohammed Siraj switched the bails at the striker’s end between deliveries as India was becoming desperate to take the wicket.
Marnus Labuschagne did not engage in an argument when Siraj repeated the bails switch in the second consecutive match. The tactic seemed to disrupt Labuschagne’s focus, as the batter was dismissed by Nitish Kumar Reddy in the next over after Siraj’s action during Australia’s first innings in Brisbane.
Marnus, Look at That – Mohammed Siraj
Labuschagne knew he had lost the battle last time when Mohammed Siraj played this trick in the last match. Siraj jokingly said, “Marnus, look at that,” but Labuschagne ignored it and kept walking. The superstition seemed to work in India’s favor as Usman Khawaja was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah two overs later.
Star Sports shared the video on X (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption, “Siraj’s trick 🤝 Bumrah’s magic. Will it bring more good luck to #TeamIndia? 🤔”
Have a look at the incident right here:
Siraj’s trick 🤝 Bumrah’s magic
Will it bring more good luck to #TeamIndia? 🤔#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 1 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/s1ROwb7Q6O
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2024
Virat Kohli Engaged in a Heated Exchange with Sam Konstas
The first day of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India saw controversy involving Virat Kohli. Kohli appeared to deliberately bump into 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who had been aggressively attacking India’s fast bowlers after Australia won the toss and chose to bat.
The incident took place between the 10th and 11th overs when Konstas and Usman Khawaja were switching ends. Kohli, walking toward Konstas, shouldered him.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who was commentating at the time, said that the contact seemed intentional. Replays indicated that Kohli was aware of his movements, while Konstas, focused on adjusting his gloves, unknowingly walked into him.
Also read: Watch: Virat Kohli gets physical with Sam Konstas, furious Ricky Ponting warns India great