The Indian cricket team squandered a golden opportunity to dismiss the dangerous Travis Head, as Mohammed Siraj’s fielding lapse handed the Australian batter a crucial lifeline during the second session on Day 2 of the Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval. In the 68th over, Ravichandran Ashwin bowled a well-disguised slower delivery, enticing Head to attempt a big slog-sweep.
However, the shot resulted in a top edge that soared awkwardly toward the space between mid-on and long-on. Mohammed Siraj, donning a white floppy hat, raced back and launched himself forward, hands outstretched.
Despite his effort, the Indian pacer couldn’t hold on, letting the ball slip through his grasp. The Adelaide crowd roared in approval, celebrating as Travis Head survived to continue his march toward a potential century.
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India had another opportunity to dismiss Head just an over later, but this time a lack of coordination between wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and Harshit Rana led to another missed chance. In the 69th over, Harshit delivered a length ball outside off, inviting Head to slash at it. The batter obliged, producing a thick edge that flew toward the slips.
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) December 7, 2024
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) December 7, 2024
Rohit Sharma, stationed slightly wider, couldn’t get to the ball in time. Pant, positioned ideally to dive to his left, hesitated, allowing the ball to sail past. Though the chance was challenging, Pant’s decision not to commit fully frustrated his teammates, particularly Harshit Rana.
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The ball raced to the boundary, compounding India’s fielding woes and leaving fans questioning the team’s sharpness in crucial moments. These missed opportunities allowed Head to capitalize, underlining the importance of fielding precision in a tightly contested Test. For India, it was a sobering reminder of how costly lapses can be in pivotal moments.
