The tension peaked at the end of Day 1 in the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test when India pacer Mohammed Siraj clashed with Australian No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne under the lights in Adelaide. Bowling his tenth over and still without a wicket, Siraj ran in for the penultimate delivery, but Labuschagne backed out at the last moment.
Frustrated, Siraj threw the ball at the Australian batter, leading to an exchange of words and some arm-waving. It was later evident that Labuschagne’s vision had been interrupted by a spectator walking behind Siraj in the stands, holding cups.
You can watch the video here:
https://x.com/7cricket/status/1864988767196447004?s=46
Unfortunately for Siraj, the next delivery after the altercation was struck for a boundary by Labuschagne, adding to his frustration. That also turned out to be the final over of his spell, leaving him with figures of 0/29 from 10 overs.
Meanwhile, Australia controlled most of the opening day, finishing on 86/1 after 33 overs in response to India’s 180. Mitchell Starc was the standout performer, taking six wickets and ending with impressive figures of 6/48.
“He defends while trying to appear confident”- Mohammed Siraj on Marnus Labuschagne
Mohammed Siraj expressed that he enjoyed bowling to Marnus Labuschagne following India’s 295-run victory in Perth. The aggressive Indian pacer dismissed the Australian No. 3 for a tough 52-ball 2 in the first innings.
Speaking to the broadcasters about his duel with Labuschagne, Siraj said, as quoted by Indian Express:
“I loved bowling to Marnus, enjoyed the battle because he plays under a lot of pressure. He tries to leave a lot of deliveries rather than trying to play at them. He defends and tries to show that he is confident. That is not really confidence. And my confidence is always high (laughs).”
Siraj has dismissed Labuschagne three times in Tests, with the batter accumulating 138 runs at an average of 36. However, the Australian right-hander is currently unbeaten on 20* off 67 balls in the ongoing match, looking to recover from his poor recent form.
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