Steve Smith was dismissed by Siraj [Source: @gavaskar_theman/X]
Riding on Mohammed Siraj's sensational bowling spell, India have pushed Australia on the back foot in the ongoing first Test of the five-match series at Perth Stadium. Siraj, who got the prized scalp of Pat Cummins at the fag end of day 3, resumed his onslaught on the Aussies by dismissing the reliable Usman Khawaja.
As if this wasn't enough, Mohammed Siraj bowled an absolute peach to get rid of Australia's talismanic batter Steve Smith. The incident occurred during the 25th over of Australia's second innings when India desperately needed someone to break the fifth wicket stand between Smith and Travis Head. Mohammed Siraj did the job for the visitors, dismissing the former with a beauty.
From over the wicket, Siraj bowled a good-length delivery around the off stump. He angled the ball into Smith, but it seamed slightly away after pitching.
His excellent line and length induced a false defensive shot of Smith's bat, with Rishabh Pant diving to his right to grab a magnificent catch.
Australia Lose Half Of Their Side As India Boss The Game In Perth
Mohammed Siraj's clinical three-wicket haul triggered Australia's batting collapse, as the hosts lost half of their side inside 25 overs. With the cracks opening up and uneven bounce coming into play, it will be daunting task for the Aussies to bat till the end and draw this Test match. At the time of writing, Australia were 85 for five, with Head and Mitchell Marsh batting on 53* and 0*, respectively.