Watch: Mitchell Starc leaves Kusal Perera with a warning as the SL batsman leaves crease early at non-striker's end

Mitchell Starc warned Kusal Perera twice for backing too far at the non-striker's end during the AUS vs SL clash in Lucknow.

The 14th game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is currently underway at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. This has two teams that have a similar start to this competition. The five-time champions Australia are taking on the 1996 champions Sri Lanka, which is a must-win game as both teams have lost their opening two matches.

It started with Sri Lanka winning the toss and deciding to bat first in the pitch that was looking good to bat on at the start. Sri Lanka are without skipper Dasun Shanaka and pace Matheesh Pathirana; both were ruled out due to injuries. They were replaced by Chamika Karunaratne and Lahiru Kumara. Kusal Mendis is leading the team. However, in the first power play, there were a couple of moments that caught the attention of the fans.

Watch: Mitchell Starc warns Kusal Perera twice for leaving the crease too early in AUS vs SL clash in Lucknow

In the very first over by Mitchell Starc in the innings, he gave a warning to Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batter Kusal Perera for backing too far away. It happened on the fourth delivery of the first over of the game. Starc was on his run-up to deliver the ball, but he pulled away, and when he was about to release the ball, he stopped.

Watch the video here:

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Mitchell Starc looked at the batter and had some words with him. It was too evident, as Perera was out of his crease, and it was a warning from Mitchell Starc. But then, in the fifth over of the innings, it happened again. On his way to deliver a ball, the pacer stopped, but it looked like he was distracted by the non-striker and gave him a fiery look.

Batting first, Sri Lanka have gotten off to a flying start. Both openers batted well at the start and then played shots. At the end of the powerplay, Sri Lanka were 51 without losing a wicket. This match is very crucial for both teams, as none of them want to be 3-0 down in this tournament. A win here will give all-important two points and the momentum to go ahead.