WATCH: Mohammed Siraj’s bail switch, distracts Marnus Labuschagne

New Delhi: After facing a 20 percent cut in his match fee due to a heated exchange with Travis Head, Mohammed Siraj is once again in the spotlight. The Indian fast bowler, who has been having a tough time taking wickets in the third Test against Australia, is leaving no stone unturned to unsettle his opponents.

In a surprising turn of events during the 33rd over on Day 2, Siraj approached Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne and playfully switched the bails at his end. At first, Labuschagne thought the Indian bowler was coming over for a friendly chat. But Siraj had different intentions that quickly became a hot topic on social media.

How good is this exchange between Siraj and Labuschange? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/GSv1XSrMHn

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 15, 2024

After Siraj returned to bowl, Labuschagne retaliated by switching the bails back. This lighthearted exchange not only amused the crowd but also highlighted the competitive nature shared by both players. Siraj’s playful antics seemed to distract Labuschagne, who was dismissed in the next over by Indian all-rounder Nitish Reddy, caught at slips.

Since the series kicked off, Siraj has shown a fiery spirit on the field, mirroring the aggressive attitude of the Australians. However, some of his actions have tested the limits of sportsmanship. This was notably highlighted by the ICC sanctions that followed his incident with Travis Head during the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.

Earlier in the match, Jasprit Bumrah played a pivotal role by taking out both Australian openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, effectively setting a strong tone for India’s bowling lineup. As the series unfolds, the spotlight will be on Siraj’s antics and Bumrah’s performance, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.