[Watch] KL Rahul's screamer at slips gets India the important wicket of Mitchell Marsh in 1st BGT 2024-25 Test

KL Rahul reversed a tough fielding day for India and a struggling bowling afternoon for Mohammed Siraj in one go by taking a stunner at slips to dismiss Mitchell Marsh on the first day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Siraj bowled the first few deliveries of the innings' 17th over at just short of good length, making them nip back into Marsh. The fifth ball fell on the perfect spot, targeting the top of the off-stump and Marsh prodded at it with hard hands.

The edge flew low to the left of Rahul at third slip and he timed his dive to perfection to grab it with the tip of his fingers. The third umpire checked the catch a couple of times before ruling it in favor of the visiting side.

Watch the wicket here:

Interestingly, the third ball of the over fell on a similar length and Virat Kohli from slips was heard motivating the pacer to stick with the spot. The fourth one kept a bit low outside off and skipper Jasprit Bumrah was seen chatting with Siraj.

The wicket reduced Australia to 38/5 in their chase of India's first innings score of 150. It was as important a wicket for India as it was for Siraj, who bowled a wicketless first spell and was removed from the attack earlier than usual.

His second spell was much better. He began with two maidens, all charged up and getting under the batters' skins, with his discipline and words, and the third over ended up as a maiden wicket. Marsh, who was looking front-footed, hitting two boundaries in his first 12 balls, had to go for just 11 runs.

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India in a dominating position after Siraj's first scalp

Only a few overs later, Siraj got rid of Marnus Labuschagne, ending his 52-ball vigil in which he scored just two runs. India started the last half hour of the day's play with the hosts at 47/6. Catch all the live-action here.

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