A dramatic middle-order collapse, sparked by Mitchell Starc’s six-wicket haul, saw India bowled out for just 180 runs in the traditional pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
In response, the hosts lost Usman Khawaja cheaply to Jasprit Bumrah, but Marnus Labuschagne and rookie Nathan McSweeney showed great resilience, guiding Australia into a strong position as the day neared its end.
Despite the usual energy from Virat Kohli and Harshit Rana in the field, Mohammed Siraj seemed to lack his usual intensity. When he did finally lash out, it was under unfortunate circumstances.
As the partnership neared 50, Siraj, having gone wicketless up until then despite bowling well, returned for his 10th over of the evening, targeting Labuschagne. After the batter defended the first four balls comfortably, Siraj’s frustration began to mount.
Tensions reached a boiling point when Labuschagne moved out of the way just as Siraj was about to bowl the penultimate delivery of the over. Although Siraj stopped in time, his instincts kicked in, and he threw the ball at the stumps in frustration.
Labuschagne swiftly dodged the throw and endured some sharp words for his actions. However, replays revealed that it wasn’t Labuschagne’s antics but an unexpected distraction that had caused the batter to step aside.
— Pandit Pranoob (@pranoob76889) December 6, 2024
A fan in the crowd had stacked a tower of disposable glasses and was strolling across the sight screen, unintentionally diverting Labuschagne’s attention. The visuals of the unusual incident quickly became a source of entertainment, with Twitter users seizing on the moment for some lighthearted commentary.