Mohammed Siraj delivered a masterclass in tempo bowling throughout a pivotal morning session on Day 2 of the fifth and remaining Take a look at of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the Sydney Cricket Floor (SCG). His impressed double-wicket over dismantled Australia’s center order and revitalized India’s marketing campaign within the high-stakes sequence decider. Constructing on Jasprit Bumrah’s early breakthrough, Siraj’s aggression and precision introduced India roaring again into the competition after a dismal first day.
Jasprit Bumrah’s record-breaking strike units the tone
India started the day needing a spark, and stand-in skipper Bumrah instantly offered it. In simply the seventh over of Australia’s innings, Bumrah produced a magnificence that drew an edge from Marnus Labuschagne, safely pouched by Rishabh Pant. This historic wicket made Bumrah the Indian bowler with essentially the most wickets in a single Take a look at sequence in Australia (32), equaling Harbhajan Singh‘s document through the well-known 2001 sequence, cementing his standing as a generational expertise in red-ball cricket. Bumrah’s breakthrough, nevertheless, was solely the start. With the strain constructing, Siraj quickly took middle stage, delivering a fiery spell that will outline the morning session.
Mohammed Siraj’s rattles Australia: Fall of Travis Head and Sam Konstas
Going through relentless jeers from the Australian crowd – a continuation of the hostile reception he has endured all through the sequence – Siraj channeled the animosity right into a spell of ruthless tempo bowling. His first sufferer was the in-form Sam Konstas, who had annoyed Indian bowlers within the earlier Take a look at. Sustaining a disciplined line and size, Siraj tempted Konstas, on the second ball of the twelfth over, right into a unfastened drive off a supply that nipped away. The ensuing exterior edge flew to gully, the place Yashasvi Jaiswal took a pointy, low catch to ship Konstas packing.
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The dismissal of Konstas was only the start. With the gang noise reaching fever pitch, Siraj turned up the warmth in opposition to Travis Head, a batter who had dominated earlier matches along with his attacking strokeplay. Head introduced his arrival with a trendy flick for 4, however Siraj was undeterred. Executing a premeditated plan, Siraj angled a good-length supply throughout the left-hander, forcing a tentative poke. The sting flew to KL Rahul at second slip, who made no mistake. Siraj’s celebration mirrored his intense willpower, as Australia slumped to 39/4 inside 12 overs.
Right here’s the video:
𝐃𝐒𝐏 𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐉 𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐔𝐓𝐘! 🫡#MohammedSiraj makes two within the over, sending #SamKonstas and #TravisHead to the dugout! 🔥#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 fifth Take a look at, Day 2 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/720cYxlsnu
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025
India’s fightback after Day 1 collapse in opposition to Australia
India’s bowling resurgence was a testomony to their resilience after a forgettable Day 1, the place they had been bundled out for a paltry 185. Bumrah had already offered a lifeline late on the primary day by dismissing Usman Khawaja on the ultimate ball earlier than stumps, following a heated change with Konstas that added further drama to the competition. On Day 2, Siraj and Bumrah led the cost, making certain Australia couldn’t capitalize on India’s batting collapse. By lunch, the guests had claimed 5 essential wickets, together with the prized scalp of Steve Smith, lowering Australia to a precarious 101/5.
