Currently, the Indian cricket team is touring Australia, engaging in a gripping 5-match Test series under the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. This series stands at an equilibrium. The fourth thrilling contest is unfolding at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). At the end of Day 1 (December 26), Australia captured six wickets, scoring 311 runs in their first innings.
Siraj Leaks Runs
Esteemed cricketers like Steve Smith scoring 68 and captain Pat Cummins at 8 remain unbeaten at the crease. Day 1 showcased India's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah's spectacular performance, achieving three wickets. However, the rest of India's bowlers lagged in impact, particularly right-arm pacer Mohammad Siraj, proving to be quite expensive. Siraj bowled 15 overs, conceding 69 runs without claiming any wickets. His economy rate hit 4.60, a notably high statistic for Test cricket.
On the first day at the Melbourne Test, Mohammad Siraj was more famous for his aggressive demeanor than his play. The initial day saw several encounters with Australian batsmen. The situation escalated when Siraj exchanged words with 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas.
In the ongoing Test series, Mohammad Siraj has had a bumpy ride. Thus far, Siraj has taken 13 wickets across seven innings with a high economy rate of 3.87. Notably, Siraj has conceded 380 runs, the highest among all bowlers.
Siraj Penalized in Adelaide
Mohammad Siraj stayed in the spotlight during the India-Australia Adelaide Test. Post dismissing Travis Head, Siraj celebrated exuberantly. His aggression was evident as he angrily signaled to Head to get back. This prompted a quick retort from Head before his pavilion return. This incident drew ICC's ire, resulting in Siraj facing a 20% match fee penalty, alongside Head and a demerit point for both players.
Source: aajtak
On MCG's first day, fast bowlers Akash Deep (1/59) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0/10) failed to impress. Among the spinners, both Ravindra Jadeja (1/54) and Washington Sundar (1/37) delivered average performances. Sundar was slotted into this match in place of Shubman Gill.
Indian Team's Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Siraj.
Australian Playing XI:
Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland.
22-25 November:
1st Test, Perth (India won by 295 runs)
6-8 December:
2nd Test, Adelaide (Australia won by 10 wickets)
14-18 December:
3rd Test, Brisbane (Draw)
26-30 December:
4th Test, Melbourne (Ongoing)
03-07 January:
5th Test, Sydney
Total Test Matches:
116
Wins:
67
Losses:
32
Draws:
17
Total Test Matches:
14
India Wins:
4
Australia Wins:
8
Draws:
2
22-25 November:
1st Test, Perth (India's emphatic 295-run victory)
6-8 December:
2nd Test, Adelaide (Australia overpower with 10-wicket triumph)
14-18 December:
3rd Test, Brisbane (Came to a draw)
26-30 December:
4th Test, Melbourne (Currently ongoing)
03-07 January:
5th Test, Sydney
