Team India‘s debutant pacer Harshit Rana played down his exchange with Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc on Day 2 of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test in Perth on Saturday, November 23. He referred to Starc as a good friend and emphasized their strong relationship.
Rana and Starc had been teammates in the Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) IPL 2024-winning squad. During Day 2 of the Perth Test, Starc humorously sledged the Indian pacer after being hit on the glove by a rising delivery. He was heard on the stump mic telling Rana:
“Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory.”
The Indian youngster responded with a smile. Rana later got rid of Starc for 26, as the left-hander misjudged a lofted shot. At the close of play, the Indian pacer described his banter with the Aussie as a typical occurrence on the cricket field.
“Not much. He is a very good friend of mine. We have played together in the IPL, so I have a very good bonding with him. Nothing much just a few words exchanged. It all happens on the field.”
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Rana concluded the first innings with figures of 3-48 from 15.2 overs. Prior to getting Starc, he had dismissed Nathan Lyon (5) with a short delivery. The right-arm pacer had also taken the important wicket of Travis Head (11) on the first day of the Perth Test.
“Jassi Bhai kept advising me on what to do, and Virat Bhai also offered guidance”- Harshit Rana
Despite making an impressive Test debut, Rana credited senior players like captain Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli for their support. Reflecting on his bowling performance, the Delhi cricketer said:
“Jassi bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) kept telling me what to do and Virat bhai also gave advice. It was all very helpful and gives you a different kind of confidence.”
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Rana took three wickets in the first innings, while captain Bumrah claimed five as Australia was bowled out for 104. In reply, India reached 172-0 at stumps. When asked if the team had a specific target considering the change in conditions, the bowler responded:
“Today the pitch did get better for batting in the morning. We are not thinking about any target. Just want to keep batting.”
At stumps on Day 2 in Perth, Yashasvi Jaiswal was on 90, and KL Rahul was on 62. The visitors held an overall lead of 218 runs.
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