Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
The opening day of the first Test between India and Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium was a rollercoaster of emotions, with 17 wickets tumbling in a thrilling display of fast-paced cricket. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery 4/17, made a strong comeback after their batters faltered on a challenging, grass-covered pitch. But it wasn’t just the action that had fans buzzing. From controversial umpiring calls to fiery on-field moments, Day 1 was filled with drama. Here’s a look at the five controversies that sparked debates and kept the cricketing world on edge.
KL Rahul’s controversial dismissal
KL Rahul’s gritty 26 off 74 balls was one of the few bright spots in India’s dismal batting performance. Battling disciplined Australian bowling, Rahul seemed set to anchor India’s innings when controversy struck in the 23rd over.
Mitchell Starc produced a peach of a delivery that nicked Rahul’s bat, or so it seemed. The on-field umpire ruled it not out, but Australia reviewed the decision. UltraEdge detected a spike as the ball passed the bat, but replays also showed the ball grazing Rahul’s pad. Despite inconclusive evidence, the third umpire overturned the decision, sparking outrage among fans and commentators. Rahul, visibly stunned, walked off as debates about the fairness of the ruling erupted across cricketing circles.
Rishabh Pant and Nathan Lyon’s auction banter
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is no stranger to heated exchanges, but Rishabh Pant and Nathan Lyon brought some lighthearted fun to the field. As Pant walked out to bat, Lyon cheekily asked him about his prospects in the upcoming IPL auction in Saudi Arabia.
“Where are we going in the auction?” Lyon quipped, referencing Pant’s uncertain IPL future after Delhi Capitals released him. Pant, with a grin, replied, “No idea.” The exchange delighted fans and reminded everyone of the camaraderie that exists amid fierce competition. The banter between Pant and Lyon became a trending topic on social media, adding a dose of humor to a tense day.
Marnus Labuschagne’s field obstruction drama
The day also saw Marnus Labuschagne at the center of a bizarre moment involving a potential “Obstructing the Field” dismissal. In the 13th over of Australia’s innings, Labuschagne, while outside his crease, used his bat to deflect a live ball rolling back towards the stumps.
The Indian players expressed their frustration but didn’t appeal officially. As per MCC rules, this could have led to Labuschagne being given out, but India’s hesitation cost them. Labuschagne, who had already survived a dropped catch by Virat Kohli earlier, continued to frustrate the Indian bowlers before finally falling for two off 52 balls. The incident highlighted a missed opportunity for India to tighten their grip on the game.
Labuschagne’s flying kiss to Harshit Rana
The intensity of the match didn’t stop Labuschagne from showing his cheeky side. Harshit Rana, playing his debut Test, bowled a sharp bouncer that struck Labuschagne on the body, prompting a death stare from the young pacer.
Labuschagne’s response? A playful flying kiss directed at Rana, drawing laughter from the crowd and leaving commentators in splits. The moment evoked memories of Rana’s own flying-kiss celebration in IPL 2024, which had earned him both fame and a one-match ban. Despite the playful exchange, Rana had the last laugh, claiming his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Travis Head.
Virat Kohli’s sitter drop sparks outrage
Virat Kohli’s rare lapse in the slips added another twist to Day 1’s drama. In the third over of Australia’s innings, Bumrah induced an edge from Labuschagne, but Kohli, stationed at second slip, failed to hold on to a regulation catch.
The ball hit Kohli’s palm and popped out, leaving Bumrah and the rest of the team in disbelief. Labuschagne was on just two runs at the time and went on to consume 52 balls, frustrating India further. The dropped catch didn’t just cost India in the moment—it unleashed a storm of memes and criticism on social media, with fans expressing their disappointment at Kohli’s uncharacteristic mistake.
Despite their struggles with the bat, India clawed back into the contest through a sensational bowling effort, skittling Australia for 67/7 at stumps. Bumrah led from the front with a scintillating spell, ably supported by Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana. With both teams showcasing fragile batting and fierce bowling, the opening day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set the stage for a riveting series. If Day 1’s events are anything to go by, cricket fans are in for a treat.
