On December 6, 2024, during the day 1 of second Test match between India and Australia in Adelaide, Mohammed Siraj bowled a delivery that stunned the cricketing world. The speed gun clocked an astonishing 181.6 kmph for a ball he bowled in the 24th over. However, the remarkable speed turned out to be a technical glitch, sparking a storm of memes and social media reactions. While the speed was far from accurate, the drama surrounding Siraj’s performance on Day 1 wasn’t just about the speedometer error.
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The Speed Glitch: Fact vs. Fiction
When Siraj bowled the final delivery of the 24th over, the speed gun displayed an incredible 181.6 kmph. Fans, players, and commentators alike were left in disbelief as the figure appeared on the screen. It wasn’t long before the reality set in—the speed was simply a technical malfunction. Siraj’s fastest delivery was not the 181.6 kmph speed displayed but rather closer to his usual pace, typically ranging between 140-150 kmph. This error led to a series of memes on social media, with cricket fans humorously speculating if Siraj had suddenly unlocked a new gear or if the speed gun was simply malfunctioning.
Despite the controversy surrounding the glitch, the event added a layer of excitement to the already intense Test match. It was a reminder of how technology, while an essential tool in modern cricket, can sometimes deliver unexpected results, leaving both players and fans baffled.
Marnus Labuschagne’s Distraction: A Pause in the Action
As Siraj prepared to bowl, the atmosphere was charged with energy. However, before the fifth ball of the over, Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne stepped away from the crease. The reason? A fan was holding a beer snake near the sight screen, distracting the batsman. The interruption sparked frustration from Siraj, who was visibly annoyed by the delay. The heated exchange between Siraj and Labuschagne added to the tension, showcasing the high stakes and fierce rivalry between the two teams. Despite the brief distraction, Siraj continued to bowl with intensity, determined to make an impact.
The Heated Exchange: Siraj vs. Travis Head
The action on Day 2 didn’t stop with a speed glitch and a fan distraction. There was also a fiery moment between Siraj and Australian batter Travis Head. Siraj took the crucial wicket of Head, dismissing him after a thrilling century knock. The delivery that sent Head back to the pavilion came just after Head had whipped a ball over the leg side for six. The bowler, in a moment of triumph, pointed towards the dressing room, giving Head a send-off.
Travis Head later shared his thoughts on the send-off, saying, “I actually jokingly said ‘well bowled’, then he pointed me in the sheds and I had my reaction as well.” Head admitted to feeling disappointed with his own response, though he also stated, “I don’t want to give it too much airtime. I feel like the way I play the game, I would like a better reaction.”
Head was clear that he had no issues with Siraj as a player but felt that the send-off went a bit too far. “There was no confrontation leading up to it,” Head said. “It probably went a little bit far, that’s why I’m disappointed with the reaction I gave back but I’m also going to stand up for myself.”
India’s Aggressive Approach: Morne Morkel Defends Siraj
The tensions were not limited to the field of play. After Head’s dismissal, Siraj found himself being booed by the Adelaide Oval crowd every time he touched the ball. This display of aggression from the fans was a reflection of Siraj’s passionate approach to the game. Despite the boos, Siraj maintained his focus, finishing with 4 wickets for 98 runs.
India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, came to Siraj’s defense, explaining that his fiery nature was an asset to the team. “Siraj is the type of player that gives 100% when the ball is in hand,” Morkel said. “I think that is the character that he brings to the bowling unit. He will always run in all day, no matter what the scoreboard says.”
Morkel acknowledged that moments of tension were inevitable in a high-stakes series like this. “In a big series like that, you are always going to have moments like this where it is a sort of, I wouldn’t say make or break sort of situation, but when a session or the game is potentially sort of on the line, you will have moments like that,” Morkel explained. “Siraj and Head are two cricketers who play the game hard, and I’m pretty sure after the game they’ll be your best of mates.”
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FAQs
Did Mohammed Siraj actually bowl at 181.6 kmph?
No, the 181.6 kmph reading was a technical glitch by the speed gun during the second Test between India and Australia in Adelaide.
What caused the delay during Siraj’s over?
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne stepped away from the crease due to a distraction caused by a fan holding a beer snake near the sight screen.
Why did Siraj give Travis Head a send-off?
After dismissing Travis Head following his century, Siraj gestured towards the dressing room as part of an intense celebration, which sparked reactions from Head.
How did Travis Head respond to Siraj’s send-off?
Head admitted he was disappointed in his own reaction but felt the send-off was unnecessary, stating he would prefer a fairer approach to the game.
What was India bowling coach Morne Morkel’s view on Siraj’s behavior?
Morne Morkel defended Siraj, calling him a passionate player who gives 100% and emphasizing that such moments of tension are natural in high-stakes matches.
