AUS vs. IND [WATCH]: Mohammad Siraj surprises Australia by removing Sam Konstas and Travis Head in the same over on the second day of the SCG Test
Mohammed Siraj he delivered a masterclass in pace bowling during the crucial morning session on the second day of the fifth and final Test Granica-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). His inspired double passage over dismantled Australiamiddle-order and revitalized India’s campaign in the high-stakes deciding series. Building on Jasprit BumrahSiraj’s early breakthrough, Siraj’s aggression and accuracy brought India roaring back into the contest after a dismal first day.
Jasprit Bumrah’s record knock sets the tone
India started the day in need of a spark and stand-in skipper Bumrah provided it immediately. In just the seventh over of Australia’s innings, Bumrah produced a beauty that took advantage of the Marnus Labuschagnesafely in bags Rishabh Pant. This historic wicket made Bumrah the Indian bowler with the most wickets in a single Test series in Australia (32), equaling Harbhajan Singhrecord during the famous 2001 series, cementing his status as a generational talent in red-ball cricket. Bumrah’s breakthrough, however, was just the beginning. With the pressure mounting, Siraj soon took center stage, delivering a fiery spell that would define the morning session.
Mohammed Siraj rocks Australia: The fall of Travis Head and Sam Konstas
Facing relentless jeers from the Australian crowd – a continuation of the hostile reception he endured throughout the series – Siraj channeled the hostility into a spell of relentless pace bowling. His first victim was in-forma Konstas himselfwho had frustrated the Indian bowlers in the previous Test. Maintaining a disciplined line and length, Siraj lured Konstas, on the second ball of the 12th over, into a loose drive off a bounced delivery. The resulting outer edge flew into the ravine, where it is Yashasvi Jaiswal sharp, low catch to send Konstas packing.
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The dismissal of Konstas was just the beginning. As the crowd noise reached its peak, Siraj stepped up his attack against Travis Head, a batsman who had dominated earlier matches with his attacking play. Head announced his arrival with a classy shot for four, but Siraj was undeterred. Carrying out a premeditated plan, Siraj played a good length delivery over the left-hander, forcing a cautious shot. The edge flew to KL Rahul on the second ticket, which did not make a mistake. Siraj’s celebration reflected his intense determination as Australia slumped to 39/4 inside 12 overs.
Here is the video:
𝐃𝐒𝐏 𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐉 𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐔𝐓𝐥! 🫡#MohammedSiraj makes two in the over, sending #SamKonstas and #TravisHead to the dugout! 🔥#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 5th test, 2nd day | LIVE NOW! | #Toughest rivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/720cYxlsnu
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025
India’s comeback after the first day’s failure against Australia
The revival of Indian bowling was a testament to their resilience after a forgettable Day 1, where they were collected for a measly 185. Bumrah already provided a lifeline late on the first day with a dismissal Usman Khawaja on the last ball before stumps, after a heated exchange with Konstas that added extra drama to the contest. On the second day, Siraj and Bumrah led the charge, ensuring that Australia could not capitalize on India’s batting slump. By lunchtime, the visitors had claimed five crucial wickets, including the prized scalp Steve Smithreducing Australia to a precarious 101/5.
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