Virat Kohli Gesture for Mohammed Siraj Goes Viral at MCG Test

Virat Kohli Gesture for Mohammed Siraj Goes Viral at MCG Test

The fourth day of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at Melbourne witnessed an unforgettable moment involving Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj. During a tense match, Kohli’s interaction with the crowd highlighted his leadership and camaraderie with his teammates. The Indian fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) were chanting Kohli’s name when the star batter pointed towards Siraj, urging the crowd to cheer for him instead. Responding immediately, the fans started chanting “DSP, DSP,” a nickname Siraj earned after being conferred the honorary position of Deputy Superintendent of Police. This heartwarming gesture quickly went viral on social media, showcasing Kohli’s efforts to uplift his teammates.

As the day progressed, the match swung like a pendulum. Jasprit Bumrah, displaying exceptional skill, left the Australian batsmen bewildered with a masterclass in pace bowling. Bumrah’s devastating spell, supported by Siraj’s persistence, brought the Indian team back into contention. The duo scalped crucial wickets, turning the momentum in India’s favor. Bumrah, in particular, achieved a significant milestone by reaching 200 Test wickets at an impressive average of 19.56. However, his joy was tempered when he missed out on a five-wicket haul due to a no-ball. Adding insult to injury, Nathan Lyon smashed a boundary off the same delivery.

Despite Bumrah and Siraj’s efforts, Australia’s lower order resisted valiantly. Pat Cummins, Lyon, and Scott Boland frustrated the Indian bowlers with their resilience. The trio batted out nearly 35 overs, helping Australia extend their lead to a formidable 333 runs. Cummins contributed a gritty 41 runs, while Lyon remained unbeaten on 41, with Boland providing solid support. Their partnerships significantly boosted the home side’s second innings total, leaving India with a daunting target to chase on the final day.

The Indian team’s frustration was evident, especially skipper Rohit Sharma, who seemed visibly annoyed by the missed opportunities to wrap up the innings earlier. Bumrah and Siraj’s remarkable spells had put the visitors in a strong position, but the inability to capitalize in the final session could prove costly. The pitch, which remained true for four days, now posed a stern challenge for India’s top order as they began their chase.

As India came out to bat, the pressure was palpable. The team needed a solid foundation to chase down the mammoth target. However, early dismissals added to their woes, putting the visitors on the back foot. Australia’s bowlers, led by their formidable pace attack, kept the Indian batsmen on their toes. With seven wickets in hand and a mountain to climb on the final day, India’s hopes rested heavily on its middle-order stalwarts.

The Test match at the MCG has been a roller-coaster ride for both teams, with individual brilliance and collective efforts keeping fans on edge. From Bumrah’s fiery spells to Kohli’s crowd-pleasing gesture, the game has delivered moments of drama and excitement. As the final day approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian batting lineup and their ability to withstand Australia’s relentless bowling attack.

This match also highlights the importance of contributions from all members of the team. While star players often grab headlines, the efforts of bowlers like Bumrah and Siraj, combined with the lower-order resilience shown by Cummins and Lyon, emphasize the collective nature of Test cricket.

The contest at Melbourne serves as a reminder of why the Boxing Day Test holds a special place in the cricketing calendar. With the series on the line, the final day promises to deliver yet another chapter of enthralling cricket. Whether India can pull off a remarkable chase or Australia secures a memorable win, the fans are in for a thrilling conclusion.