AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Mohammed Siraj stuns Australia by removing Sam Konstas and Travis Head in the same over on Day 2 of SCG Test

Mohammed Siraj delivered a masterclass in pace bowling during a pivotal morning session on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). His inspired double-wicket over dismantled Australia’s middle order and revitalized India’s campaign in the high-stakes series decider. Building on Jasprit Bumrah’s early breakthrough, Siraj’s aggression and precision brought India roaring back into the contest after a dismal first day.

Jasprit Bumrah’s record-breaking strike sets the tone

India began the day needing a spark, and stand-in skipper Bumrah immediately provided it. In just the seventh over of Australia’s innings, Bumrah produced a beauty that drew an edge from Marnus Labuschagne, safely pouched by Rishabh Pant. This historic wicket made Bumrah the Indian bowler with the most wickets in a single Test series in Australia (32), equaling Harbhajan Singh‘s record during the famous 2001 series, cementing his status as a generational talent in red-ball cricket. Bumrah’s breakthrough, however, was only the beginning. With the pressure building, Siraj soon took center stage, delivering a fiery spell that would define the morning session.

Mohammed Siraj’s rattles Australia: Fall of Travis Head and Sam Konstas

Facing relentless jeers from the Australian crowd – a continuation of the hostile reception he has endured throughout the series – Siraj channeled the animosity into a spell of ruthless pace bowling. His first victim was the in-form Sam Konstas, who had frustrated Indian bowlers in the previous Test. Maintaining a disciplined line and length, Siraj tempted Konstas, on the second ball of the 12th over, into a loose drive off a delivery that nipped away. The resulting outside edge flew to gully, where Yashasvi Jaiswal took a sharp, low catch to send Konstas packing.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri reveals why he didn’t ask Jasprit Bumrah about Rohit Sharma during toss in SCG Test

The dismissal of Konstas was just the beginning. With the crowd noise reaching fever pitch, Siraj turned up the heat against Travis Head, a batter who had dominated earlier matches with his attacking strokeplay. Head announced his arrival with a stylish flick for four, but Siraj was undeterred. Executing a premeditated plan, Siraj angled a good-length delivery across the left-hander, forcing a tentative poke. The edge flew to KL Rahul at second slip, who made no mistake. Siraj’s celebration reflected his intense determination, as Australia slumped to 39/4 within 12 overs.

Here’s the video:

𝐃𝐒𝐏 𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐉 𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐔𝐓𝐘! 🫡#MohammedSiraj makes two in the over, sending #SamKonstas and #TravisHead to the dugout! 🔥#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 5th Test, Day 2 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/720cYxlsnu

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025

India’s fightback after Day 1 collapse against Australia

India’s bowling resurgence was a testament to their resilience after a forgettable Day 1, where they were bundled out for a paltry 185. Bumrah had already provided a lifeline late on the first day by dismissing Usman Khawaja on the final ball before stumps, following a heated exchange with Konstas that added extra drama to the contest. On Day 2, Siraj and Bumrah led the charge, ensuring Australia couldn’t capitalize on India’s batting collapse. By lunch, the visitors had claimed five crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Steve Smith, reducing Australia to a precarious 101/5.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Mark Taylor calls out India’s lack of clarity on Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the Sydney Test

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