As Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith walked to the crease on the fourth day, Australia faced a daunting challenge, needing to chase down a massive 534.
The pressure intensified when Khawaja was dismissed by Mohammad Siraj in the sixth over, and the Indian pacers continued to dominate with a mix of bouncers and full deliveries, leaving Smith and Travis Head on edge.
Amidst the mounting tension, Siraj prematurely celebrated an LBW appeal that was quickly shut down by the on-field umpire.In the 12th over, Siraj bowled a good-length delivery on middle stump.
Head, caught in an awkward position, was beaten on the inside edge, and the ball struck his front pad. The Indian players erupted in celebration, with Siraj already walking away in joy, not even looking at the umpire.
He nearly reached the wicketkeeper before on-field umpire Richard Kettleborough shook his head, signaling a “not out” call. After a brief discussion, captain Jasprit Bumrah opted for a DRS review, with Siraj convinced the ball had straightened.
Siraj starts celebrating!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 25, 2024
Oooops! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Wk5petloTg
The replays showed no contact with the bat, and with the umpire’s call on the leg stump, the appeal was rejected. The incident quickly went viral on social media, with fans amused by Siraj’s premature celebrations.