BGT 2024-25: [Watch] Mitchell Starc's bail-swap tactic works as Lyon dismisses Ravindra Jadeja on day 3 at the MCG

Ravindra Jadeja scored 17 runs in India’s first innings at the MCG.

Initially attempted on a lighthearted note, the bail-swapping tactic has now become common in the the world of cricket.

It’s been used a few times and worked a couple of times in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 by both India and Australia.

Mohammed Siraj first attempted the trick with Marnus Labuschagne during the third test in Brisbane. Interestingly, Marnus was dismissed shortly, chasing a wide delivery outside off-stump bowled by Nitish Reddy.

He repeated the tactic during the ongoing Boxing Day test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which again proved successful, resulting in the dismissal of Usman Khawaja, who mishit a pull shot off the toe end of the bat.

Australia tried the same superstition on the third day of the test. In an attempt to break a crucial partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mitchell Starc swapped the bails between overs.

The superstition worked quickly as Nathan Lyon trapped Jadeja LBW shortly after. The Indian all-rounder departed for 17 runs, giving Lyon his first wicket of the game.

Watch: Australia’s bail-swap tactics results in Ravindra Jadeja’s wicket

At the time of writing India have done well to reach 326/7. Nitish Kumar Reddy (85*) and Washington Sundar (40*) are at the crease. India’s decision to field three all-rounders has paid off with the trio contributing over 150 runs so far. The team will now aim to get close to Australia’s first-innings total of 474.

India and Australia playing XIs for the Boxing Day test

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland.

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