Watch: Mohd Siraj throws ball at Steve Smith out of frustration in WTC Final Day 2: Following a dejected outing in the business on Day 1 of the ICC WTC Final at the Kennington Oval, team India started Day 2 of the fixture on a bright note with a couple of wickets. The Indian bowlers, though, conceded runs with loose odd deliveries but kept picking wickets in regular intervals to wrap Australia’s innings at 469.
While the first session of the second day belonged to India, Australian batter Steve Smith started off the proceedings of Day 2 with two back-to-back boundaries off Mohammad Siraj.
The Indian pacer bowled two consecutive half volleys and Smith pounced on it to fetch two fours and completed his century. However, in the third delivery, while Siraj was on his run-up Steve Smith backed out of his stance due to a concentration lapse because of the spider cam, which left Siraj irritated. The pacer, seemingly, not pleased with the act, threw the ball at the stumps out of frustration.
Steve Smith, who had completed his 31st Test century by then, tried to explain why he backed out of his stance to Mohammad Siraj, but the Indian pacer gave a lukewarm gesture.
Notably, Siraj had received a sounding off from Rohit Sharma for two consecutive loose deliveries to Steve Smith, which got to the boundary at the start of the second day.
On air Ravi Shastri explained the matter as he said: “Steve Smith just backing away. Didn’t please Siraj but Smith had every right to move out of the way. It’s more the frustration of Siraj being hit for two boundaries. He got sounded off by Rohit Sharma the previous ball.”
Watch: Mohd Siraj throws ball at Steve Smith:
ICC WTC Final: Australia remove Indian openers after posting 469 runs
Meanwhile, soon after the incident took place, Siraj scalped the wicket of Travis Head, who was accelerating towards his double ton. Subsequently, Shami picked up the wicket of incoming batter Cameron Green at a score of 376 runs.
Shardul Thakur got dangerous Steve Smith in his warm-up delivery and then it all went India’s way. Wicketkeeper batter Alex Carey showed resistance, however, he, too, was dismissed two short of his half-century. Australia, at the end of their first innings, scored 469 runs.
Team India got off to a quick start with skipper Rohit Sharma showing aggressive intent. However, the Indian captain soon departed as Pat Cummins trapped him in front of the wickets. In the subsequent over, Scott Boland castled Shubman Gill’s three sticks to put India under pressure early on in the innings.
At tea on Day 2, India’s score reads 37 runs in the loss of two wickets. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli are in the middle at a score of 3* and 4* respectively.
