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The Gabba crowd was hostile towards Mohammed Siraj on Day 2 of the third Test as well. Siraj has been booed by the Australian crowd whether he collects a ball or bowls. The crowd was loud as Siraj flipped the bails at the striker's end in his over with Marnus Labuschagne not more than a feet away from him. While Siraj did not take Labuschagne's wicket, he succeeded in disrupting his concentration. In the next over, he went for a drive outside off stump against Nitish Kumar Reddy and was caught by Virat Kohli in the second slip. As soon as Kohli took the catch, he shushed the Australian crowd by putting a finger on his lips.
Kohli's celebration after taking Labuschagne's catch is making rounds on social media. Labuschagne departed after scoring 12 runs from 55 balls. He became Reddy's third Test wicket.
This was Kohli's second catch of the first session. While this was slightly tough, the first one of opener Nathan McSweeney fell right into his lap. McSweeney edged one off Jasprit Bumrah early into the first session. he scored nine runs from 49 balls, barely adding to his overnight score.
Balanced first session
Australia lost three wickets in the first session on Day 2. Starting the day at 28 for no loss after 13.2 overs, they managed to score 104/3 in 43 overs before the lunch break. Opener Usman Khawaja fell to Bumrah as well. He edged one to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
Steve Smith survived a few close calls as umpire's call went in his favour. He was batting on 25 from 68 balls at the stroke of lunch. On the other end, Travis Head hit two fours and scored 20 runs from 35 balls in the first session.
Siraj's injury scare
During the opening session of Day 2, Siraj felt discomfort in his hamstring or knee. It is yet to be seen whether it is just a cramp due to humid conditions in Brisbane or a bigger issue which may keep him from bowling on Day 2.
