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[Watch] '2008 Nhi Hai': Irfan Pathan's Scathing Dig At Australia Begging For DRS Vs Siraj

Akshita Patel∙ Updated: Dec 29 2024, 8:00 AM

Irfan Pathan roasts Australia over DRS confusion in MCG Test [Source: @StarSportsIndia/X.com]Irfan Pathan roasts Australia over DRS confusion in MCG Test [Source: @StarSportsIndia/X.com]

On Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia, Mohammed Siraj was given a lifeline as the third umpire deemed Steve Smith's catch at second slip a bump ball. However, as Cummins argued with the umpire for another DRS referral, Irfan Pathan, in the commentary box, took a jibe at the hosts, opening a can of worms from the infamous 2008 SCG Test. 

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 edition witnessed a steep escalation in India-Australia's cricket rivalry. During the Boxing Day Test, the rivalry took a new turn after Virat Kohli was fined for shoulder-nudging 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas. The crowd booing and Konstas' reply only added fuel to the fire.

Meanwhile, on Day 4 of the fourth Test, Irfan Pathan pressed the wrong nerve of Australian fans during his stint in the commentary box. 

The incident unfolded when Pat Cummins and Co. argued with the on-field umpires, expressing displeasure over the third umpire's decision that got Mohammed Siraj a second lifeline. While the hosts thought Steve Smith had plucked a clean catch at second slip, the TV umpire deemed it a bump ball. 

Irfan Pathan joins banter to fuel India-Australia rivalry

Cummins asked for another DRS referral. However, the appeal was denied since the play had already been reviewed once. Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan, on air, insinuated that Australia is trying to pressurise umpires as they did in 2008. 

Pathan was likely referring to the controversial SCG Test between India and Australia. Australian players were accused of appealing for dismissals they knew weren't valid and not retracting those appeals. 

Umpires also faced scrutiny for being biased towards the hosts. Kumble famously remarked in the press conference, "Only one team was playing with the spirit of the game," directly accusing Australia of unsportsmanlike behaviour.

After a series of controversies, the ICC intervened and removed umpire Bucknor from officiating the next Test in Perth following India's complaints. 

Australia in control of Boxing Day Test

Meanwhile, Australia remained in control of the MCG Test as they had a 158-run lead in place by lunch break on Day 4. Notable, the Border-Gavaskar Series remains levelled at 1-1 after the Gabba Test resulted in a draw. The winner of this Test will take an unassailable lead in the five-game Test series.