Mohammed Siraj delivered a masterclass in pace bowling during the crucial morning session on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test a Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). His inspired two wickets over dismantled Australia'The central focus is to revive India's campaign in the top qualifiers. Building forward Jasprit BumrahSiraj's early success, fightback and accuracy helped India claw their way back into the tournament after a terrible day.
Jasprit Bumrah's record breaking strike sets the tone
India started the day in need of fire, and stand-in skipper Bumrah provided it immediately. In the seventh over of Australia's innings, Bumrah produced the best ever. Marnus Labuschagnewell protected Rishabh Pant. This historic wicket made Bumrah the Indian bowler with the most wickets in a single Test series in Australia (32), equaling Harbhajan Singhhis reputation in the famous 2001 series, cementing his position as a professional talent in red ball cricket. However, Bumrah's success was just the beginning. With the pressure, Siraj was soon in first place, delivering a scintillating performance that would define the morning session.
Mohammed Siraj rocks Australia: The fall of Travis Head and Sam Konstas
Faced with constant jeers from the Australian crowd – a continuation of the negative reception he had received throughout the series – Siraj channeled the hatred into a vicious pace-shooting routine. His first patient was a form Konstas himselfwho had frustrated the Indian bowlers in the previous Test. Maintaining a restrained line and length, Siraj tested Konstas, on the second ball of the 12th over, to start a good drive and clear the cut ball. The outside edge flew to the gully, right Yashasvi Jaiswal took a hard, low catch to send Konstas packing.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri reveals why he didn't ask Jasprit Bumrah about Rohit Sharma during the SCG Test
Konstas' dismissal was only the beginning. With the crowd roaring to the point, Siraj fired up against Travis Head, the batsman who had dominated the previous match with his stroke. Head announced his arrival with four games, but Siraj was undaunted. Acting on a premeditated plan, Siraj took a long route to the left, forcing a quick throw. The edge flew KL Rahul on the second trip, who didn't make a mistake. Siraj's celebration showed his determination, as Australia slipped to 39/4 inside 12 overs.
Here is the video:
πππ πππππ ππ ππππ₯! π«‘#MohammedSiraj makes two last, to send #SamKonst and #TravisHead to guizi! π₯#AUSvINDOnStar π Test 5, Day 2 | STAY NOW! | | #Tough Competition #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/720cYxlsnu
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025
India's battle after Day 1 falls against Australia
India's bowling recovery was a testament to their resilience after a forgettable Day 1, where they were gathered to a few 185. Bumrah had already provided a late save on the first day by dismissing him Usman Khawaja on the last ball in front of stumps, following a fierce exchange with Konstas that added some drama to the contest. On the second day, Siraj and Bumrah led the way, ensuring that Australia could not benefit from India's batting collapse. By lunch, the visitors had secured five crucial wickets, including a valuable header Steve Smithreducing Australia to a dangerous 101/5.