Harshit Rana openly reveals what Mitchell Starc told him after fiery Perth exchange

Team India debutant pacer Harshit Rana has opened up about his on-field banter with Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc during Day 2 of the first Test match in Perth on Saturday, November 23. Harshit Rana revealed that he shares a good rapport with Mitchell Starc, describing him as a very good friend.

Harshit impressed with his bowling during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series opener. He troubled the Australian batters, including Mitchell Starc, in the first innings. The right-arm fast bowler had a light-hearted exchange on the field with Starc after hitting the left-handed batter's glove.

The banter between Starc and Rana was caught on the stump mic during the second day's play. "Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory," Starc said. It is worth noting that Rana and Starc played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where they emerged victorious.

Mitchell Starc Is A Very Good Friend - Harshit Rana

Speaking at the press conference, Harshit Rana downplayed the on-field banter with Mitchell Starc. He mentioned that they had played together in the IPL and added that it wasn’t a big issue. Harshit also shared that the team had planned to target the stumps to dismiss batters in the first innings.

"He’s a very good friend. We play in the IPL together. These things happen on the field. It wasn’t a big deal, just a few words were exchanged," said Harshit.

Jasprit Bumrah's Spell Made Things Easier For Me - Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana lauded skipper Jasprit Bumrah for his spell on Day 1 during the Perth Test. Bumrah took three early wickets of Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, and Steve Smith in his first spell. Rana said that Bumrah's spell helped him stay calm and perform effectively.

"His spell made things easier for me. I became calmer. Jassi bhaiya always creates pressure from one end, and that makes it easier for the bowler at the other end," said Harshit.

Jasprit Bumrah Secured Five-Wicket Haul in First Innings

Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers for the visiting team, taking five wickets for just 30 runs in 18 overs. The Pat Cummins-led team was bowled out for 104. In reply, India ended Day 2 at 172-0, with Yashasvi Jaiswal on 90 and KL Rahul on 62. India took a lead of 218 runs before Day 3 in Perth.

The Indian team continued their dominance in the opening session of the third day. Yashasvi Jaiswal completed his maiden Test century on Australian soil, while Rahul was dismissed for 77 runs. India ended the morning session at a total of 275/1, with Jaiswal (141) and Devdutt Padikkal (25) at the crease.

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