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Mohammed Siraj gave a bowling master class during a key morning session on day 2 of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Its inspired double hatch was dismantled Australiamiddle order and revitalized India’s campaign in the high-level series decider. Building on jasprit bumrahSiraj’s first breakthrough, Siraj’s aggression and accuracy saw India roar back into the contest after a dismal first day.
Jasprit Bumrah’s record-breaking strike sets the tone
India started the day needing a spark, and stand-in skipper Bumrah provided it immediately. In just the seventh innings of Australia’s innings, Bumrah produced a beauty that took a lead from Marnus Labuschagnein a secure bag Rishabh pants. This historic cover made Bumrah the Indian bowler with the most covers in a single Test series in Australia (32), the same as Harbhajan Singh‘s during the famous 2001 series, cementing his status as a generational talent in red-ball cricket. Bumrah’s breakthrough, however, was only the beginning. With the pressure mounting, Siraj soon took center stage, delivering a fiery spell that would define the morning session.
Mohammed Siraj’s Rattles Australia: The Fall of Travis Head and Sam Konstas
Facing relentless jeers from the Australian crowd, a continuation of the hostile reception he has endured throughout the series, Siraj channeled the animosity into a spell of merciless bowling. His first victim was the report Constas himselfwho had frustrated the Indian bowlers in the previous Test. Maintaining a disciplined line and length, Siraj tempted Konstas, on the second ball of the 12th over, to a loose delivery of a delivery which he smashed. The resulting outer edge flew into the ravine, where Yashasvi Jaiswal made a strong, low catch to send Konstas packing.
READ also: AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri reveals why he didn’t ask Jasprit Bumrah about Rohit Sharma during toss at SCG Test
Konstas’ firing was only the beginning. With the crowd noise reaching fever pitch, Siraj turned up the heat against Travis Head, a batsman who had dominated the previous matches with his attacking stroke play. Head announced his arrival with a classy stroke for four, but Siraj was undeterred. Executing a premeditated plan, Siraj tipped a good length delivery through the left hand, forcing a tentative strike. The edge flew KL Rahul at second slip, which was no mistake. Siraj’s celebration reflected his intense determination as Australia slumped to 39/4 in 12 overs.
Here is the video:
𝐃𝐒𝐏 𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐉 𝐏𝐍 𝐔𝐓𝐘! 🫡#MohammedSiraj makes two at the end, sending #SamKonst i #TravisHead in the dugout! 🔥#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 5th test, Day 2 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/720cYxlsnu
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025
India’s struggle after Day 1 collapse against Australia
The resurgence of India’s bowling was a testament to their resilience after a forgettable Day 1, where they bundled out for a paltry 185. Bumrah had already provided a late lifeline on the first day by taking the bye Usman Khawaja on the final ball before stumps, after a heated exchange with Konstas that added extra drama to the contest. On Day 2, Siraj and Bumrah led the charge, ensuring that Australia could not take advantage of India’s batting collapse. By lunch, the visitors had claimed five crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Steve Smithreducing Australia to a precarious 101/5.
