Watch: Mohammed Siraj plays mind games with Marnus Labuschagne, flips bails at striker’s end

Watch: Mohammed Siraj plays mind games with Marnus Labuschagne, flips bails at striker’s end. (Photo source: Disney+Hotstar)

Mohammed Siraj’s antics again took centre stage as he tried to break Marnus Labuschagne‘s concentration by flipping the bails at the striker’s end on Day 2 of the second Test at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane. However, the Australian batter had none of it as he put the bails back in place.

The intriguing incident occurred in the 33rd over of the Australian innings on Sunday, December 15. Labuschagne was playing a dogged knock whilst surviving some close calls in the first session on Day 2. Siraj tried to get into the batter’s mind as he went past him at the striker’s end after bowling a delivery and flipped the bails. As Siraj turned around to return to his mark, Labuschagne flipped them right back over.

The strong crowd at the picturesque venue came to life after witnessing the turn of events as they loved the gamesmanship on display.

Check out the video here:

Superstition pays dividends as India get Labuschagne in following over

Labuschagne’s sedate knock ended in the following over as he tried to play an expansive drive to a delivery pitched full and outside the off-stump by Nitish Kumar Reddy. The right-handed batter got a thick outside edge that Virat Kohli safely pouched at second slip.

Also Check: Watch: Jasprit Bumrah strikes twice as Australia lose openers early on Day 2

Labuschagne had to take the long walk back to the hut after scoring 12 runs off 55 balls. This was the third wicket the hosts lost in the morning session on Day 2 after Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney departed early. Labuschagne’s partnership of 37 runs with Steve Smith was gradually starting to look ominous for India but the impressive Nitish struck at the right moment. Some would say that Siraj’s antics paid dividends as the 30-year-old batter had looked quite patient till that point.

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