[Watch] Beer snake forces Marnus Labuschagne to pull out, frustrated Mohammed Siraj hurls the ball at him on Day 1 of 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test
The heat was on at the fag end of Day 1 of the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test when Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj went at the Australian No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne under the lights in Adelaide. Bowling his tenth over, Siraj was still searching for his first wicket of the innings.
As he ran in for the penultimate ball of the over, Labuschange pulled out at the last minute. However, Siraj was unhappy and hurled the ball at the Aussie batter, resulting in arm-waving and an exchange of words between both players.
Yet, it was crystal clear that Labuschagne's vision was disturbed by a spectator walking behind the bowler in the stands with cups in his hand.
Here is the video clipping of the entire exchange between Siraj and Labuschagne:
Unfortunately for Siraj, the next delivery after the altercation went for a boundary off Labuschagne's willow, adding to his frustration. It also turned out to be the final over of his spell that ended with figures of 0/29 in 10 overs.
Meanwhile, Australia dominated most of the opening day, finishing on 86/1 in 33 overs in reply to India's 180. Mitchell Starc was the star, picking up six wickets and finishing with excellent figures of 6/48.
"He defends and tries to show that he is confident" - Mohammed Siraj on Marnus Labuschagne
Mohammed Siraj said he enjoyed bowling to Marnus Labuschagne after India's Test victory by 295 runs in Perth. The fiery Indian pacer trapped the Australian No. 3 for a scratchy 52-ball 2 in the first innings of the contest.
Talking to the broadcasters about his battle with Labuschagne, Siraj said as quoted by Indian Express:
"I loved bowling to Marnus, enjoyed the battle because he plays under a lot of pressure. He tries to leave a lot of deliveries rather than trying to play at them. He defends and tries to show that he is confident. That is not really confidence. And my confidence is always high (laughs)."
Siraj has dismissed Labuschange thrice in Tests with the batter scoring 138 runs at an average of 36. The Australian right-hander, however, is well-set on 20* off 67 deliveries in the ongoing clash in an attempt to overcome his dismal recent form.