Tensions ran high during Day 1 of the Day-Night Test match in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Adelaide Oval, as Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne engaged in a heated exchange. The incident occurred in the third session of play, adding to the drama of an already intense contest.
As Siraj prepared to deliver the ball, Labuschagne unexpectedly pulled away at the last moment, disrupting the bowler’s rhythm. Frustrated, Siraj hurled the ball wide of the stumps and was seen muttering under his breath toward the Australian batter. This led to an animated exchange of gestures and intense looks between the two, with Siraj visibly irked by the delay.
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The interruption, however, stemmed from a legitimate distraction. A spectator walking behind Siraj with several cups in hand entered Labuschagne’s line of sight, causing the batter to pause and refocus. While Labuschagne’s actions were justified, Siraj’s frustration at the disruption was evident, as the fiery pacer struggled to regain his composure. The moment quickly went viral, with fans dissecting the altercation online.
Mohammed Siraj was not too pleased with this 😂#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/1QQEI5NE2g
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) December 6, 2024
Shortly after, Mohammed Siraj delivered a back-of-a-length ball outside off-stump, only to watch Labuschagne elegantly steer it past backward point for a boundary. Ravichandran Ashwin’s attempt to stop the ball fell short, leaving Siraj shaking his head in exasperation as Australia continued to build momentum.
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Australia ended the day in control, reaching the 90s after losing Usman Khawaja early for 13 to Jasprit Bumrah. Opener Nathan McSweeney looked solid, grinding out 38* runs off 97 balls, while Labuschagne appeared to have regained form following a disappointing outing in the Perth Test. The Australian No. 3 batted with determination, facing 67 balls for his unbeaten 20*.
India’s bowlers will need to disrupt the rhythm of McSweeney and Labuschagne to regain control of the match. As the pink-ball Test unfolds, the visitors face an uphill battle to wrest momentum back from Australia on what has already proven to be a challenging first day in Adelaide.