Australia ended the third day in trouble at 12/2, and as Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith walked out on the fourth day, they faced the daunting task of chasing 534.
The uphill battle continued as Mohammad Siraj dismissed Khawaja in the sixth over, with the Indian pacers relentlessly exploiting the conditions.
Mixing sharp bouncers with full deliveries, they kept Smith and Travis Head under constant pressure, leaving the Australian batters searching for answers. Amid the intensity, a lighthearted moment provided some relief.
In the 13th over, Harshit Rana bowled a short delivery that angled into Smith, who attempted a swivel pull but misjudged the shot. The ball struck him hard on the ribs, and Smith crumpled to the ground in visible discomfort.
Players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, quickly attended to him, along with Head. As Smith recovered and prepared to continue, Head jokingly pointed to his chest guard, quipping that it was there for a reason.
— Pandit Pranoob (@pranoob76889) November 25, 2024
The playful exchange quickly went viral on social media, with fans appreciating the humor amidst the high-pressure game.