![Booed at the Gabba: Mohammed Siraj's Struggles Continue Following Adelaide Clash](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/12/14/550x309/Australia-India-Cricket-63_1734138878228_1734138905975.jpg)
Booed at the Gabba: Mohammed Siraj's Struggles Continue Following Adelaide Clash
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Mohammed Siraj, the Indian pacer, faced significant hostility from the Australian crowd during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as the spectators in Brisbane booed him upon his entrance to bowl. India successfully won the toss for the third consecutive time, opting to bowl first on this occasion. Jasprit Bumrah initiated the proceedings with a commendable first over against Usman Khawaja. Siraj, taking the new ball from the opposite end, was met with a chorus of boos as he began his run-up, a reaction that persisted throughout his over.
The animosity from the crowd can be traced back to the second Test in Adelaide, where Siraj had an animated exchange with local favourite Travis Head after dismissing him for a crucial 140 runs. Siraj's reaction was likely fueled by the boundaries Head had scored off him earlier in the over with the second new ball. The two players offered differing accounts of the incident, with Head stating, "Well bowled," a remark that Siraj refuted as untruthful.
As a result of the incident, both players faced sanctions from the ICC. Siraj was fined 20% of his match fees, while Head received only a demerit point.
India make two changes
India has made two alterations to the lineup that suffered a 10-wicket defeat in the day-night Test in Adelaide. Ravindra Jadeja has been brought in to replace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, while Akash Deep takes the place of the underperforming paceman Harshit Rana.
In contrast, Australia has opted for a single change, with fast bowler Josh Hazlewood returning to the team in place of Scott Boland, following his recovery from a side injury.
Rohit Sharma, facing scrutiny due to his recent batting struggles, will maintain his position at number six, while KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will continue as the opening pair.
With the five-match series currently tied at 1-1, the Gabba pitch displayed a green hue on a humid, overcast morning, indicating a challenging test for Australia's top order.
"There is a significant amount of grass, and the surface appears somewhat soft, so we aim to capitalize on the conditions and see how we can utilize the ball early on," Rohit stated, adding that the atmosphere in the Indian dressing room was "absolutely buzzing."
"The players are eager for the Test match. It is always a pleasure to come here and play high-quality cricket, and regarding the team's sentiment, they are keen to step onto the field and demonstrate their skills."
Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, was noncommittal about his choice had he won the toss.
"This series has been exceptional thus far," he remarked. "I believe we will have a full house at the Gabba today, so it is sure to be an energetic environment."
Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (w), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (w), Rohit Sharma (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
Read Also: Ricky Ponting: Australia Poised for Victory in Brisbane Despite Indian Resilience
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