Team India’s batting star Virat Kohli was at his animated best on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday, December 26. Virat Kohli ordered his teammate Mohammed Siraj not to smile while talking to the Australians in their first innings.
Australia picked Scott Boland to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood, who had to leave the third Test in Brisbane due to a calf injury, while Sam Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney. On the other hand, India made a single change by adding an extra spinner, Washington Sundar, in place of Shubman Gill.
Has Ke Baat Nahi Karna Inse – Virat Kohli
The former Indian captain sledged debutant Sam Konstas on the opening day of the match. The heated exchange took place following the 10th over of Australia’s first innings. Kohli shouldered the 19-year-old batter while the two passed one another between overs. The umpires intervened to calm the situation.
Virat Kohli was heard on the stump microphone after Mohammed Siraj had an exchange with Marnus Labuschagne in the middle of the pitch. Kohli advised Siraj not to smile while talking to the Australians.
Star Sports shared the video on X (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption, “🗣🔥😡🥶😅🧐🤔 The stump mic has been kept busy this morning! 😅”
“Has ke baat nahi karna inse (Don’t smile while talking to them),” Kohli was heard telling Mohammed Siraj after the pacer exchanged words with Marnus Labuschagne.
🗣🔥😡🥶😅🧐🤔
The stump mic has been kept busy this morning! 😅#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 1 LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/hwANCA1qar
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2024
Jaddu, Ball Bounce Bhi Ho Raha Hai – Rohit Sharma
Captain Rohit Sharma was also heard giving instructions to Ravindra Jadeja, urging him to take advantage of the pitch conditions. Rohit told Jadeja, “Jaddu, ball bounce bhi ho raha hai, turn bhi ho raha hai” (Jaddu, the ball is bouncing and turning), encouraging him to make the most of the surface.
It Gives Us a Perfect Opportunity to Show What We Are as a Team – Rohit Sharma
Speaking at the toss, Rohit Sharma stated that the wicket looked good, and if given the chance, India would have batted first. He emphasized that it is a crucial opportunity for the team to prove themselves with the series tied at 1-1.
“We would have batted as well, looks like a good wicket. The series is 1-1, a lot to play for, it gives us a perfect opportunity to show what we are as a team. Whatever situation lies in front of you, you have to fight. It’s a new day and we are looking forward to it. We have one change – GIll misses out and Washington comes in. (On whether he will bat at the top of the order) Yes, I will,” Rohit said.
India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
Also read: “That’s flawed statement”: Sanjay Manjrekar on Rohit Sharma’s ‘modern-day great’ comment on Virat Kohli
