High Drama Unfolds in India vs. Australia Test
Day 1 of the first Test between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth delivered high-intensity cricket and some heated moments. A confrontation between Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne became the center of attention, with Virat Kohli adding to the drama.
The incident occurred in the 13th over of Australia’s innings when Labuschagne, after being hit on the body, used his foot to deflect the ball away from the stumps. Siraj, sensing a brief run-out opportunity, confronted Labuschagne, leading to an animated exchange of words.
Virat Kohli joined the altercation, striding towards the stumps and theatrically knocking off the bails after retrieving the ball. Kohli’s gesture appeared fueled partly by his earlier disappointment at dropping Labuschagne’s catch at second slip when the batter was yet to score. However, Labuschagne managed just 2 runs off 52 deliveries before Siraj dismissed him, making the dropped chance inconsequential.
Social Media Reacts: ‘DSP Se Panga Nahi’
The fiery exchange between Siraj and Labuschagne sparked a wave of reactions online. Fans were quick to recall Siraj’s recent appointment as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Telangana, creating a flood of memes and comments on social media.
Indian Pacers Dominate Day 1
Siraj’s dismissal of Labuschagne was his second success of the day, having earlier removed Mitchell Marsh, caught by KL Rahul at third slip. Siraj finished the day with impressive figures of 2/17. Alongside him, captain Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Harshit Rana combined to dismantle Australia’s batting lineup, reducing them to 67/7 at stumps.
Bumrah, who picked up four wickets, and Rana, who dismissed Travis Head to claim his maiden Test wicket, ensured India ended the day in control.
India’s Bold Strategy Pays Off
India’s decision to field four pacers – leaving out star spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja – initially faced criticism. However, the move, which saw Washington Sundar as the lone spinner, proved effective on Perth’s seamer-friendly pitch.
Earlier in the day, India were bowled out for 150, with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scoring with 41 runs. Although Australia’s bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, dominated the first two sessions, the final hours belonged to India’s pace attack, setting the tone for an enthralling Test match.
