In a sensational display of pace bowling, India bowled Australia out for a paltry 104 in their second innings, securing a vital first-innings lead of 46 runs on Day 2 of the Perth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The Optus Stadium pitch continued to favor the seamers, and India’s bowlers, led by stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah, ensured Australia struggled to recover from their overnight collapse.

Bumrah shines bright with 5-wicket haul

Australia resumed their innings at 67/7, with Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc at the crease, hoping to bridge the deficit. However, Jasprit Bumrah dashed their plans with a fiery spell. The Indian captain struck with the very first ball of Day 2, removing Carey for 12, and completed his 5-wicket haul in style. Bumrah’s immaculate line and length, combined with his ability to extract movement, left the Australian batting lineup in tatters.

Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in the history books during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming his 11th 5-wicket haul in Test cricket. With this feat, Bumrah has become the joint-highest Indian bowler with the most 5-wicket hauls in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) nations, matching the legendary Kapil Dev's record of seven fifers in these conditions. Additionally, Bumrah has entered the top-10 list for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler, solidifying his legacy as one of India's finest pacers.

Nathan Lyon fell shortly after to debutant Harshit Rana, reducing Australia to 79/9. However, a resilient 25-run stand between Starc and Josh Hazlewood delayed India’s march. The young pacer impressed with figures of 2/25 in his maiden Test, claiming two crucial wickets to support India’s pace dominance. Starc showed grit with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 19, but Rana returned to dismiss Hazlewood, sealing Australia’s innings at 104.

See Also: BGT 2024-25: Bumrah leads from the front on record-breaking Day 1 in Perth

Harshit beats Starc

Despite the Australian collapse, Mitchell Starc brought a touch of light-heartedness to the intense match. During Rana’s fiery spell, the stump mic caught Starc cheekily reminding the Indian pacer, “Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory.” The playful banter, stemming from their camaraderie as former Kolkata Knight Riders teammates, quickly went viral on social media.

Rana responded with a wry smile and let his bowling do the talking. His dismissal of Lyon and eventual breakthrough against Starc’s partner, Hazlewood, highlighted his composure under pressure. The lively exchanges between the two added a unique flavor to an otherwise intense Test match. India’s pace attack, spearheaded by Bumrah and ably supported by Mohammed Siraj and Rana, showcased remarkable discipline and skill, setting the tone for a thrilling contest in Perth.

Brief Scores: India 150 (Nitish Reddy 41, Rishabh Pant 38; Josh Hazlewood 4/29, Mitchell Marsh 2/12, Mitchell Marsh 2/14, Pat Cummins 2/67) lead Australia 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5/30, Harshit Rana 3/48) by 46 runs

The intense battle of the first Test between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium was punctuated by a playful yet competitive exchange between Mitchell Starc and Indian debutant Harshit Rana. The humorous moment, which highlighted the spirit of cricket, occurred during Day 2 and quickly became a talking point on social media.

Rana’s fiery spell sparks Starc’s playful jibe

The moment unfolded during the 30th over of Australia’s innings when Harshit Rana, bowling with pace and aggression, delivered a fiery barrage of short-pitched deliveries to Mitchell Starc. The Australian pacer was forced to duck and weave as Rana’s deliveries extracted sharp bounce off the lively Perth wicket.

As Rana walked back to his mark, Starc, caught on the stump mic, playfully quipped, “Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory.” The cheeky comment, delivered with a grin, hinted at possible retribution when Rana would come out to bat. Rana, unfazed, responded with a smile, demonstrating maturity and composure in only his first Test match.

Mitch Starc offers a little warning to Harshit Rana 😆#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/KoFFsdNbV2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 23, 2024

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Camaraderie and competition shine through

The banter between Starc and Rana drew attention not only for its humor but also for the camaraderie between the two players, who recently shared a successful stint as teammates at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite Starc’s playful remarks, Rana showcased his potential, taking two key wickets, including Travis Head on Day 1 and Nathan Lyon on Day 2, while consistently hitting speeds over 140 km/h.

Meanwhile, India’s pace trio, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dominated Australia’s batting lineup. Bumrah’s clinical performance saw him claim a five-wicket haul, his 11th in Test cricket, as he removed Alex Carey with the first delivery of the day. Supported by Mohammed Siraj and Rana, India’s bowlers dismantled the Australian batting order, securing a significant first-innings lead by the end of the session.

The light-hearted exchange between Starc and Rana, coupled with the fierce competition on the field, exemplified the spirit of cricket—where intense rivalries are often interspersed with moments of mutual respect and camaraderie.

Delhi’s promising fast bowler Harshit Rana has been added to India’s squad for the third and final Test against New Zealand, set to take place in Mumbai on November 1. Rana's inclusion comes on the heels of an impressive domestic season, with his performances putting him on the national radar. His call-up also precedes his selection for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia later this year.

Delhi speedster Harshit Rana, known for his pace and late movement, has been included in India's squad for the final Test against New Zealand, scheduled for November 1 in Mumbai. While it’s uncertain if Rana is covering for any specific injuries, his addition strengthens India’s bowling lineup as they gear up to conclude the series on a high note.

Impressive Ranji performance and national selection

Harshit Rana's national selection is a testament to his recent achievements in domestic cricket. In the third round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, Rana picked up a sensational five-wicket haul against Assam, finishing with seven wickets in the match and scoring a swift 59 runs in the lower order. His performance was instrumental in securing Delhi’s first victory of the season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

See Also: Glenn Maxwell shares Kohli blocked him; 'It was because you mocked me…"

Strong domestic season catches selector's eye

The young bowler has had a remarkable domestic season so far, beginning with the Duleep Trophy, where he claimed two four-wicket hauls. His performance for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 season was equally impressive, as he finished with 19 wickets in just 11 bowling innings. Rana’s lively pace and control have not only gained him recognition from the national selectors but also praise from his IPL mentors, including India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant Abhishek Nayar.

Having been included in India's 18-member Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, Rana will be one of three uncapped players to potentially represent India in the high-profile series. This call-up to the squad is a significant step for the young bowler, who continues to gain experience and make his mark across formats.

Harshit Rana, the Kolkata Knight Riders pacer, faced disciplinary action after breaching the IPL code of conduct in the match against Delhi Capitals on April 29. He has been handed a one-match suspension along with being slapped a 100 percent fine of his match fees.

Details of the Incident

Rana’s actions during the match led to a level 1 offense under Article 2.5 of the IPL code of conduct. This article pertains to actions that could provoke an aggressive reaction from another player or disparage the opponent. Article 2.5 of the IPL code of conduct which deals with ‘Using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from another player in the Match’.

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IPL Code of Conduct

As per the IPL code of conduct, “Article 2.5 includes any language, action or gesture used by a Player and directed towards a batter upon his/her dismissal which has the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batter, whether or not any reaction results, or which could be considered to disparage or demean the dismissed batter, regardless of whether the batter him/herself feels disparaged or demeaned (in other words, a ‘send-off’).

“Without limitation, Article 2.5 includes: (a) excessive celebration directed at and in close proximity to the dismissed batter; (b) verbally abusing the dismissed batter; and (c) pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion. Nothing in this Article 2.5 is, however, intended to stop Players celebrating, in an appropriate fashion, the dismissal of the opposing Team’s batter.”

Harshit Rana’s Actions

Rana’s celebratory gesture towards the dismissed batter, Abishek Porel, violated Article 2.5 during the match. Despite his successful performance, Rana’s conduct attracted scrutiny and subsequent penalties.

Due to his actions, Rana has been handed a one-match suspension and a 100% fine of his match fees. The match referee’s decision was final, and Rana accepted the sanction.

Rana accepted the penalty, acknowledging his mistake, marking his second violation of Article 2.5 in this IPL season. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining discipline on the field.

Impact on Kolkata Knight Riders

Rana’s suspension challenges Kolkata Knight Riders, depriving them of a key player. The team must strategize and adjust their lineup for the upcoming match.

This incident serves as a reminder of the significance of sportsmanship and fair play in cricket. Players must uphold the spirit of the game and demonstrate respect towards their opponents at all times.

In an electrifying start to the season, Kolkata Knight Riders clinched a heart-stopping victory in the opening match against SunRisers Hyderabad. The 22-year-old fast bowler, Harshit Rana, emerged as the hero of the match, delivering a remarkable performance. Despite a sensational innings by Heinrich Klaasen, SunRisers Hyderabad fell short by just 4 runs, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. Let’s dive deeper into the thrilling match that kicked off this season’s cricket extravaganza.

Andre Russell steals the show in Eden

In a thrilling display of cricket prowess, Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders has earned high praise from legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara. Russell’s outstanding performance in the opening match of IPL 2024 against SunRisers Hyderabad left spectators in awe. His unbeaten 64 runs off just 25 deliveries, including three boundaries and seven sixes, propelled KKR to a formidable total of 208 for 7 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Notably, Russell’s explosive batting also secured him the distinction of being the sole player to hit over 200 sixes for KKR and the third West Indian to achieve this milestone in the IPL. Lara, speaking to Star Sports after the match, described Russell’s innings as “crazy,” emphasizing that no outfield is large enough to contain his hitting prowess. Russell’s pivotal knock came at a crucial moment for KKR, rescuing them from a precarious position of 119 for 6 and forming a blistering 81-run partnership with Rinku Singh.

At the Eden Gardens, cricket fans were treated to a nostalgic display by Andre Russell, who dazzled with his remarkable six-hitting skills. Meanwhile, Sunil Narine showcased a vintage performance reminiscent of his best days, stifling the Sunrisers Hyderabad batters.

See Also: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Match 3, KKR vs SRH

Harshit Rana turns the table

It was a gripping showdown in Match 3 of IPL 2024 as Harshit Rana turned the tide with a sensational final over, securing a thrilling 13-run victory for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Despite a valiant effort from Heinrich Klaasen, who played a superb innings, SRH fell agonizingly close to victory. However, Rana’s magical performance ensured that KKR emerged triumphant in their first game of the season. Let’s delve deeper into the nail-biting action that unfolded in this exhilarating encounter between the two teams.

These seasoned veterans of the Kolkata Knight Riders delivered a memorable spectacle, especially for their former captain Gautam Gambhir, who returned to the KKR dugout, this time as the mentor of the two-time champions.

In a dramatic turn of events, Harshit Rana, known for his emotional outburst after dismissing Mayank Agarwal, showcased remarkable composure when it truly counted. Despite facing criticism from Sunil Gavaskar for his animated send-off, Rana proved his mettle when the pressure was on. Gavaskar’s sentiments might have shifted seeing the Delhi pacer rise to the occasion with nerves of steel.

Heinrich Klaasen and Shahbaz Ahmed orchestrated a remarkable comeback for SRH, smashing 58 runs in just 16 balls and flipping the game’s momentum in the 18th and 19th overs. Despite their valiant effort, SRH fell short in the final over, needing 13 runs to win. Harshit Rana’s crucial dismissal of Klaasen and tight bowling ensured KKR emerged victorious by a narrow margin of four runs.

Opening Partnership

SRH’s chase began promisingly, with openers Mayank Agarwal and Abhishek Sharma forging a solid partnership of 60 runs, laying the foundation for their team’s pursuit of KKR’s imposing total. However, Harshit Rana and Andre Russell struck crucial blows, dismissing the openers successively and putting pressure on the SRH batting lineup.

See Also: Watch: Russell mania at Eden Garden against SRH in IPL 2024

Sunil Narine’s Brilliance

Harshit Rana and Andre Russell’s impactful bowling proved pivotal in restricting SRH’s run chase. Their timely strikes destabilized the SRH batting order and swung the momentum in KKR’s favor. Spinner Sunil Narine showcased his bowling prowess, conceding just 19 runs in his four-over spell while dismissing the well-set Rahul Tripathi, tightening KKR’s grip on the match.

Phil Salt’s Sensational Start:

Phil Salt gave KKR a sensational start, unleashing a flurry of sixes in the early overs and setting the tone for a formidable total. Ramandeep Singh’s aggressive batting further bolstered KKR’s innings as he launched a counter-attack against the SRH bowlers, ensuring his team remained commanding.

Andre Russell’s Dominant Innings:

Andre Russell’s explosive batting display propelled KKR to a formidable total, as he hammered 64 runs off 25 balls, including seven sixes and three boundaries. Russell’s partnership with Rinku Singh, characterized by aggressive stroke play and quick running between the wickets, further consolidated KKR’s position and pushed their total beyond the 200-run mark.

Updated Points Table IPL 2024:

Milestone Of The Match:

Double of 50-plus score and a wicket in an IPL match most often
9 – Andre Russell
8 – Shane Watson
8 – Jacques Kallis
6 – Suresh Raina
6 – Kieron Pollard

Highest partnerships for 7th wicket or below in the IPL
100 – Harbhajan Singh & Jagadeesha Suchith (MI vs PBKS), Mumbai WS, 2015
91* – AB de Villiers & Iqbal Abdulla (RCB vs GL), Bengaluru, 2016
91 – Chris Morris & Kagiso Rabada (DC vs MI), Mumbai WS, 2017
88* – Rashid Khan & Alzarri Joseph (GT vs MI), Mumbai WS, 2023
81 – Andre Russell & Rinku Singh (KKR vs SRH), Kolkata, 2024
78 – Eoin Morgan & Rahul Tripathi (KKR vs DC), Sharjah, 2020

Andre Russell vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the IPL
Runs: 97
Balls: 37
Dismissals: 1
SR: 262.16
4s/6s: 9/8
Dots: 10