Credits: BCCI/X
Indian fast-bowler Mohammed Siraj played mind games with Marnus Labuschagne during the MCG Test. Notably, after the conclusion of the Gabba Test in a draw, India and Australia clashed against each other in the highly-anticipated Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australian skipper Pat Cummins won the toss for the first time in the series and invited the visitors to bowl first. The game saw the Baggy Greens bring in Sam Konstas in place of Nathan McSweeney, whereas the guests decided to bring in Washington Sundar in place of Shubman Gill.
Before delivering the third ball of the 43rd over, Indian fast-bowler Mohammed Siraj decided to play mind games with Labuschagne. Siraj ended up switching the bails on the non-striker’s end, and not only this, but he also gave a warning to the Aussie batter. While the superstitious worked two overs later, it was the Australian opener, Usman Khawaja, who had to pay the price. Khawaja was forced to walk back off a Jasprit Bumrah delivery, following a catch by KL Rahul. Needless to say, the dismissal left everyone, including Bumrah and the entire Indian team in disbelief.
Australia end Day 1 at 311/6, Jasprit Bumrah picks three wickets
The first day of the fourth Test saw Australia setting their tone right, and posting a total of 311 runs with the loss of six wickets at the stumps. Debutant Sam Konstas brought a fearless approach at the top order and came up with a solid knock of 60 runs. Following Konstas’ lead, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith came up with respective knocks of 57, 72 and 68 to complete their half centuries. Konstas registered the third quickest half-century (52) by an Australian debutant. Owing to his aggressive approach, Australia had posted 112 for one at lunch.
Travis Head, Australia’s lethal batter failed to post any run on the scoreboard and walked off a duck. Indian bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah made a comeback after a tough first session and dismissed Usman Khawaja in the second session. He then dismissed Head and Mitchell Marsh. The Indian bowler finished with figures of three for 75 from 21 overs. Apart from him, Akash Deep also took the late wicket of Alex Carey as India claimed four wickets in the final session.
