Watch: Mohammed Siraj's celebratory appeal backfires as Travis Head survives a close LBW call

Team India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was denied a wicket against Australia middle-order batter Travis Head on Day 4 of the BGT 2024-25 series opener. Mohammed Siraj's celebratory appeal backfired as Travis Head survived a close LBW call in the morning session in Perth on Monday, November 25.

Australia began day four of the first Test needing a miracle to avoid defeat. Usman Khawaja (3) and Steve Smith (0) were at the crease with Australia at 3-12 in their second innings. Indian batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli had put the visiting team in a commanding position earlier in the first Test match.

Watch: Mohammed Siraj's Celebratory Appeal Backfires Against Travis Head

On the third ball of the 12th over, Mohammed Siraj trapped Travis Head in front of the stumps. Siraj sprinted towards the slips in celebration, but the on-field umpire remained unmoved at the non-striker's end. Siraj and his teammates convinced skipper Jasprit Bumrah to challenge the umpire's decision.

The Indian players, including wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli, believed the ball straightened after pitching. However, DRS showed the ball brushing the outside of the leg stump, with replays confirming the umpire's call. India would have dismissed Head if the umpire had ruled in their favor.

Mohammed Siraj Removed Usman Khawaja With Sharp Bouncer

Earlier on Day 4, Mohammed Siraj bowled a sharp bouncer to dismiss Usman Khawaja. After a few tentative defenses, Khawaja attempted a pull shot but mistimed it. Rishabh Pant completed a straightforward catch to dismiss Khawaja, leaving Australia struggling at 17/4 in their second innings in Perth.

They Attacked The Stumps - Ravi Shastri

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri lauded Indian bowlers for targeting the stumps to trouble the Australian top order late in the third day. Shastri said that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj did well to pick three early wickets while defending a mammoth total in the final innings.

“They attacked the stumps. They would have realised there are cracks on the surface and they didn’t waste any time in zeroing in on the stumps,” Shastri said.

“That one kept low on McSweeney, who was a little unlucky, but the Indians were on target. I thought Pat Cummins came out a little too early with 20 to 25 minutes to go as a night watchmen coming out. Siraj striking and then this is a big one, Marnus Labuschagne misjudging it all together and again it is Bumrah."

“You can’t afford to leave deliveries like that when the bounce is variable and obviously Australia paid the price for it. But what a last half-hour of cricket. Three wickets down and still trailing by 521. India in the driver’s seat,” he added.

Also read: Watch: Virat Kohli blows kisses to Anushka Sharma in adorable celebration of Perth Test century

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