Watch: Marnus Labuschagne falls right after Mohammed Siraj’s bail-switch act, Virat Kohli silences Gabba crowd

Mohammed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne exchanged some funny banter over the bails on the second day of the third Test match between India and Australia. Mohammed Siraj switched the bails at Marnus Labuschagne’s end during their on-field battle, but the batter swapped the bails back again.

Only 13.2 overs were possible on the opening day of the ongoing Test match at The Gabba in Brisbane. Jasprit Bumrah provided an early breakthrough for the visiting team on the second day. Bumrah removed Usman Khawaja, who scored 21 runs and also picked up the wicket of Nathan McSweeney (9).

Watch: Mohammed Siraj and Marnus Labuschagne Switch Bails at Batter's End

Following two early wickets, Steve Smith and Labuschagne tried to revive Australia's innings. Labuschagne managed to frustrate the bowlers with his resilience. He added 37 runs for the third wicket with Smith. It seemed tensions might boil over, but Siraj added a touch of playful banter to the contest.

During the 33rd over, Mohammed Siraj switched the bails and ignored the batter's attempts to engage him in conversation. This tactic, popularized by Stuart Broad, has become a ritual among bowlers, often believed to bring luck. In several instances, wickets have fallen soon after switching the bails.

Take a look at the video of the incident below:

Siraj went to change the bails over...

Marnus was having none of it 😅#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/nfQZ1sEZqo

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 15, 2024

They’re Trying to Get a Concentration Lapse from Marnus - Brad Haddin

Marnus Labuschagne quickly switched the bails back after Siraj’s move. Brett Lee found the exchange amusing. However, Brad Haddin warned Labuschagne about the "gamesmanship," adding it was a tactic to disrupt his concentration.

“I love this,” the former speedster said.

“They’re trying to get a concentration lapse from Marnus. The two batters are starting to look comfortable at the crease and those little moments in play are all you need just change concentration,” Haddin said after the bail swap incident.

“Marnus has just got to get back into his bubble and worry about batting. They’re little things that you can’t let break your concentration.”

Marnus Labuschagne Falls in Next Over After Switch Bails at Batter's End

The bail swap tactic worked for India as Nitish Kumar Reddy took the important wicket of Marnus Labuschagne in the 34th over of the first innings. Labuschagne was dismissed after scoring 12 runs off 55 balls. The right-handed batter went for a drive but edged it towards Virat Kohli, who took a sharp catch. Kohli celebrated the wicket wildly and silenced the crowd booing Siraj.

India's man with the golden arm! 😍

Nitish Kumar Reddy breaks a flourishing partnership as Marnus Labuschagne departs! 👏#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 3rd Test, Day 2, LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/p6wNCCZuTp

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 15, 2024

After Labuschagne's dismissal, Travis Head joined Steven Smith at the crease for Australia. At the end of the morning session on Day 2, Australia was at 104/3 in 38 overs.

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