[Watch] Steve Smith dismissed for 17 by Mohammed Siraj on Day 4 of 1st 2024-25 BGT TestÂ
Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj made the vital breakthrough for the side yet again in Australia's second innings. He dismissed Steve Smith for 17 on Day 4 of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Monday, November 25.
Siraj struck early in the first session by sending Usman Khawaja back to the pavilion for just 4 runs. Despite the luxury of having an imperious target, the visitors had to be patient with the duo of Travis Head and Steve Smith looking to build something.
Head was fluent with his strokes, while Smith looked jittery throughout his stay at the crease. They stuck around for close to 20 overs before Siraj came through towards the end of the session.
After being undone by a delivery that jumped up on Smith from a length, Siraj honed in on the same channel to get the right-handed batter's outside edge. The ball, which was angled in, straightened just a touch after pitching, resulting in Smith playing inside the line. The ball took a faint edge before Rishabh Pant pouched a smart catch behind the stumps.
Have a look at the dismissal right here:
Smith was dismissed for a golden duck in the first innings after being trapped LBW by Jasprit Bumrah. His return to the trademark No. 3 position has not gone to plan at all so far.
Australia end the session at 104-5 following Smith's departure
Mitchell Marsh was tasked with seeing out the final set of overs before Lunch as he walked in following Steve Smith's wicket. The all-rounder took 15 deliveries to get off the mark as he was subjected to a hostile burst by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.
As things stand, Lunch has been called in Perth, with Australia at 104-5 after 30 overs. Travis Head is unbeaten at the other end, scoring 63 runs off 72 deliveries with the aid of seven fours.
Siraj has been on song in the second innings so far. He opened his account late on Day 3 by dismissing nightwatchman Pat Cummins. The pacer has been able to use his ability to skid the ball through and get it to seam off the surface, with the invariable bounce assisting him.