In a gripping encounter at Perth, Mohammed Siraj delivered a pivotal blow to the Australian batting lineup by dismissing Usman Khawaja early on Day 4 of the first Test. With Australia chasing an improbable target of 534 runs, they were already in trouble, having lost three wickets for just 12 runs at the end of Day 3. The pressure was mounting, and Siraj’s lethal bowling only intensified it.
Mohammad Siraj gets Usman Khawaja with a steamy bouncer
As the day began, Siraj wasted no time in making his presence felt. In his very first over, he bowled a well-executed bouncer that proved too much for Khawaja. The Australian opener attempted to pull the short ball but misjudged its height and ended up top-edging it. Rishabh Pant, alert behind the stumps, took a simple catch, sending Khawaja back to the pavilion for just four runs. This wicket left Australia reeling at 17 for 4, deepening their woes as they faced a daunting task ahead.
The match situation was dire for Australia, who had already lost their captain Pat Cummins and opener Nathan McSweeney and key batter Marnus Labuschagne cheaply. Jasprit Bumrah had earlier rattled the Australian batting order with his incisive bowling, claiming two crucial wickets before Siraj struck the other 3 wickets where he sent back Steve Smith too. With India needing just five more wickets to secure a historic win, the atmosphere was electric as they sensed victory.
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Here’s the video:
SIUUUUUURAJ! 💥
Day 4 & India at it again. Siraj start the proceedings on Day 4 by dismissing Usman Khawaja. Will India win this game from here?
📺 #AUSvINDOnStar 👉 1st Test, Day 4, LIVE NOW! #AUSvIND #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/wAaiLz1Yt9
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 25, 2024
India closing in for the win at Perth
Indian bowlers were relentless, exploiting the conditions perfectly. The pitch showed signs of variable bounce, making it even more challenging for the Australian batters to settle in. As Siraj and Bumrah continued to apply pressure, it became increasingly clear that Australia would need something extraordinary to turn the match around.
With Khawaja’s wicket falling so early in the day, Australia’s hopes rested heavily on Travis Head and Smith. Both experienced players needed to build a partnership and stabilize the innings if Australia were to have any chance of chasing down the monumental target set by India but Siraj dismissed Smith early too for just 17 runs.
As Day 4 progressed, India stood on the brink of a memorable victory in Perth. With their bowlers firing on all cylinders and Australia struggling at 104 for 5 till lunch, the stage is set for an exciting finish as India aimed to take a commanding lead in the five-match series.
Also READ: AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Virat Kohli celebrates his 30th ton with flying kisses to Anushka Sharma on Day 3 of Perth Test
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