The second Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Friday saw nearly 50,000 fans in attendance, witnessing an intense encounter between the two teams in the pink-ball match.
During India’s bowling spell, Mohammad Siraj caught attention in his final over of the day after a verbal exchange with Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne.
However, it wasn’t the heated words that sparked conversation but a surprising speed reading.
The speed gun recorded Siraj’s delivery at 181.6 km/h, which would have broken the record for the fastest ball ever bowled, set by Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar at 161.3 km/h.
Fans reacted on social media, believing that Siraj had achieved a new milestone. However, broadcasters quickly clarified that the reading was due to a technical glitch in the speed gun system.
The error was promptly corrected, and Siraj’s delivery was not clocked at the astonishing speed initially reported.
The incident created a stir on social media, with many discussing the unlikely achievement.
Although Siraj did not break Akhtar’s record, the moment highlighted the ongoing passion and excitement surrounding the ongoing Test series.
Earlier, Australia made a strong start in the second Test against India at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, dismissing India for just 180 all out by the close of play.
Mitchell Starc was the standout performer, claiming 6-48, his best-ever Test figures, and giving Australia the upper hand after India won the toss and opted to bat.
India’s innings got off to a nightmare start with Starc removing Yashasvi Jaiswal off the very first ball of the match.
He then sent KL Rahul back for 37 and bowled Virat Kohli for just 7, further tightening Australia’s grip.
Shubman Gill (31) was another victim of relentless bowling, falling to Scott Boland just before the first break.
The Indian batting collapse continued after tea, with Starc taking the wickets of Ravichandran Ashwin (22) and Harshit Rana (0) in quick succession.
Pat Cummins and Scott Boland also contributed, dismissing Rohit Sharma (3) and Rishabh Pant (21) as India stumbled to 180 all out.
In response, Australia lost opener Usman Khawaja (13) to Jasprit Bumrah but reached 86-1 at stumps, with Nathan McSweeney (38) and Marnus Labuschagne (20) at the crease.
Australia now holds the advantage heading into Day 2, with Starc’s early breakthroughs and a solid effort with the bat putting them in a commanding position.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel acknowledged that while the scoreline looks one-sided, he felt India was still very much in the game despite the tough day.
