Virat Kohli guides Siraj to dismiss Smith in IND vs AUS Test

Virat Kohli stole the show with his brilliance on the field during the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). On Day 4, Kohli’s sharp tactics were on display as he masterfully guided Mohammed Siraj to dismiss Steve Smith in the second session.

The former Indian captain, positioned at the cordon, instructed Siraj to bowl from a wider angle. His words, captured by the microphone, were clear: “Kone se, kone se. Har ball kone se! Usko Pasand nahi hai kone se.” Translation? Bowl across the fold; Smith fights that angle.

How the plan was developed

Siraj followed the instructions perfectly. Launching from outside the box, he launched a fuller delivery towards Smith. The Australian batsman, unable to resist, bowled an expansive drive. The ball kissed the edge of his bat and landed safely in Rishabh Pant’s gloves. It was a crucial breakthrough for India.

Smith, who had been in good touch, departed after scoring 13 runs off 41 balls. Kohli’s sharp instincts and Siraj’s precise execution had outwitted one of Australia’s best.

Siraj redeems himself

Smith’s dismissal wasn’t the only highlight for Siraj. After a lackluster first innings in which he ran out wicketless and conceded 122 runs in 23 overs, the pacer bounced back with determination in the second innings.

Siraj also removed Usman Khawaja with a great delivery, bowling him over the stumps. Later, he caught Marnus Labuschagne lbw, dismissing the prolific batsman for 70 off 139 balls. These wickets silenced critics who had questioned Siraj’s place in the playing XI.

The mass drama

To add to the drama, Siraj did not hold back his emotions. After seeing off Khawaja, he gestured to silence the rowdy Australian crowd at the MCG. Smith, in response, told Siraj to calm down. But in the end, the Indian pacer had the last laugh.

Siraj’s performance in the first innings drew harsh criticism. Bowling 10 wide and failing to take a wicket, his efforts were labeled as poor. Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar even suggested that Siraj be sacked for non-compliance.

“I think Siraj, maybe, needs a little break,” Gavaskar said during a discussion on Star Sports. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of being honest with the players about their performance.

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