The India-Australia rivalry has ignited early, even before the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has reached its second day. The opening day's play of the Perth Test was already marked by intense battles and heated exchanges between the two teams. Later it was Siraj only who won the battle and ended Labuschagne's misery as he returned to the dugout after playing a 2-run knock off 52 balls. Siraj prior to that dismissed Marsh and ended Day 1 with two scalps in front of his name. Siraj did not have an impressive home season in red-ball cricket but would like to turn it around here.
Mohammed Siraj, Marnus Labuschagne heated exchange draws eyeballs
The Australian batting innings witnessed a fiery spell from the Indian pacers, with both sides engaging in verbal duels to up the ante. The tension reached its peak during the 13th over when a confrontation between Marnus Labuschagne and Mohammed Siraj unfolded.
Siraj delivered a short-pitched delivery that nipped back, striking Labuschagne's thigh pad. As the ball was heading towards the stumps, Siraj followed through with a long stride to retrieve it. However, Labuschagne intervened, deflecting the ball with his bat. Siraj expressed his displeasure, arguing that Labuschagne had pushed the ball away unnecessarily, as it wasn't directly threatening the stumps. While batters are allowed to deflect the ball to protect the stumps, Siraj's contention was that Labuschagne's action was unwarranted in this instance. Even Virat Kohli was seen joining the party in his own style as he was spotted putting off the bails from behind during the tense moment.
The Indian pace attack unleashed a fiery spell, leaving the Australian top order reeling. Led by captain Jasprit Bumrah, India's bowlers ripped through the Australian batting lineup, with Bumrah himself claiming three quick wickets, including the prized scalp of Steve Smith. The openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, also fell victim to the Indian pace assault.
The carnage continued as debutant Harshit Rana dismissed Australia's tormentor, Travis Head. Joining the party, Mohammed Siraj delivered two crucial blows, removing Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne. However, Labuschagne's struggle came to an end as he was clean bowled by Siraj, departing for a mere 2 runs off 52 deliveries. Australia while replying to India's lowly first innings total of 150 runs, found themselves in the same state of bother as they finished the Day 1's play at a precarious 67/7. Bumrah was the wrecker-in-chief with four wickets under his belt, while Siraj and Harshit Rana combined to pick three scalps.
