The practice of the fielding team rearranging a batter's bails has gained popularity in the cricketing world, particularly following its successful application by Stuart Broad during the 2023 Ashes series. This tactic has sparked debate during the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with players from both teams utilizing this manoeuvre in an attempt to secure a slight psychological edge.

During the afternoon session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant formed an impressive partnership, stabilizing the innings and ensuring that India remained on track to avoid defeat in the fourth match of the series. Meanwhile, Australia sought any opportunity to shift the momentum in its favour.

In the 33rd over, Mitchell Starc, frustrated by the burgeoning partnership, was seen on camera returning to his bowling mark but pausing at the non-striker's end to rearrange the bails on the stumps. 

At that moment, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was not on strike, took exception to this act and promptly switched the bails back to their original position. This incident sparked a lively exchange of banter between Starc and Jaiswal at the non-striker's end.

Starc inquired with a smile, "Are you superstitious, my friend?" To this, the young Jaiswal confidently responded, "I am not superstitious. I have faith in my abilities, which is why I am here."

Starc then questioned him about the reason for changing the bails, to which Jaiswal playfully replied, "I am simply savouring this moment in my life," maintaining his composure in the face of the senior Australian bowler's probing.

Rishabh Pant remains unfazed by the antics

Starc attempted this manoeuvre two overs later, targeting Rishabh Pant; however, the usually indifferent wicketkeeper remained unfazed by the incident and continued his innings without any disruption. This focus proved beneficial for both players, as they successfully navigated the afternoon session without any impact on the scoreboard, ultimately achieving a measured half-century partnership.

The act of switching bails has evolved into a superstitious practice in Test cricket, particularly following its earlier use by the Indian team in this series. On that occasion, Marnus Labuschagne fell victim to this tactic, leading to speculation that the brief lapse in concentration caused by the incident was sufficient to create a slight opening, resulting in his dismissal just a few overs later.

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