Cricket has always been a sport rich in tradition and superstition, and Day 1 of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was no exception. An intriguing moment unfolded when Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj flipped the bails off the stumps while Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne was on strike, a ritual believed by some in the cricketing world to bring good luck and wickets for bowlers.

Mohammed Siraj’s superstition: Bail-switching at play

In the 43rd over of the Australian innings, Siraj approached the stumps and deliberately switched the bails, an act that caught the attention of onlookers. Labuschagne, unfazed, simply walked away. This was not the first time such an incident had occurred between the two players. A similar moment at the Gabba saw Labuschagne reversing the change and subsequently losing his wicket shortly after. Siraj even playfully informed Labuschagne about his actions, adding an air of levity to the tense match. However, on this occasion, Siraj’s ritual did not immediately bear fruit.

While Siraj’s superstition didn’t work for him, it appeared to pave the way for teammate Jasprit Bumrah. In the 45th over, Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja in a dramatic turn of events. Khawaja, who was well-set on 57 runs off 121 balls, attempted a pull shot against a short-of-length delivery but mistimed it. The ball found its way to KL Rahul at short mid-wicket, leaving Khawaja walking back with a rueful smile. This breakthrough was crucial for India as Bumrah continued to demonstrate his prowess as a match-winner.

Here is the video:

Siraj’s trick 🤝 Bumrah’s magic

Will it bring more good luck to #TeamIndia? 🤔#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 1 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/s1ROwb7Q6O

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2024

Also READ: WATCH: Steve Smith gets hit in the groin area by Akash Deep; Australian star reacts comically

Labuschagne, who had looked solid at the crease with a composed 72 off 145 balls, eventually fell in the 66th over. Washington Sundar, introduced into the attack, enticed the batter into an expansive shot. Labuschagne, failing to get to the pitch of the ball, mistimed his shot and was caught by Indian skipper Virat Kohli at mid-off. This dismissal, coming right after the drinks break, was a significant moment for the Indian side as they sought to regain control.

Marnus Labuschange throws his head back after getting out for 72. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Mr7kyYHqn6

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024

Australia ends Day 1 strong but not unscathed

At stumps, Australia had posted a formidable 311 runs for the loss of six wickets. Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 68, showcasing his class with five boundaries and a six. Bumrah emerged as the standout performer for India, claiming three wickets and providing critical breakthroughs. While the day belonged largely to Australia, India’s disciplined bowling ensured the game remained finely poised. As both teams prepare for Day 2, the focus will be on whether India’s bowlers can capitalize on the momentum or if Australia’s lower order will stretch their advantage.

Also WATCH: Ricky Ponting’s double standards criticizing Virat Kohli while ignoring his own past in the 4th Test | AUS vs IND

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