With an Indian pacer named Mohammad Siraj becoming viral, the second Test of the five-match series between Australia and India at Adelaide has already turned into a dramatizing and captivating event. A video that purported to show Siraj bowling a delivery at an astounding 181.6 kmph on Friday sparked tremendous excitement and incredulity among cricket fans. This is the reality underlying this dramatic assertion.
The 181.6 Kmph Controversy
The incident took place during the 25th over of Australia’s innings. On the fourth ball, the broadcast graphics astonishingly displayed the speed of Siraj’s delivery as 181.6 kmph, a figure far exceeding the world record held by Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar. Akhtar’s historic 161.3 kmph delivery, bowled against England during the 2003 World Cup, has stood unchallenged for two decades. Naturally, the cricketing world was abuzz, with fans believing Siraj had shattered the long-standing record.
However, the truth behind the viral moment is far less dramatic. It was later clarified that the unusual speed reading was due to a technical glitch on the part of the broadcaster. The anomaly inadvertently turned Siraj into a social media sensation, with memes and debates flooding platforms. The Indian pacer, who had been bowling at an otherwise consistent pace, did not set any new record but still managed to grab the headlines.
Fiery Exchange with Labuschagne
The over turned even more eventful when Mohammad Siraj and Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne had a heated exchange. As Siraj prepared to bowl the final delivery of his over, Labuschagne noticed movement near the sight screen, disrupting his concentration. The Australian batter stepped away, signaling Siraj to halt. This sudden interruption visibly irritated the Indian pacer, who, in a burst of frustration, hurled the ball toward Labuschagne and exchanged some sharp words.
This fiery moment added spice to the match, with Labuschagne responding calmly despite the tension. The exchange was captured on camera, further fueling social media discussions alongside the speedometer glitch.
Match Update
On the field, it has been a challenging game for both teams. After opting to bat first, India struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, managing just 180 runs in their first innings. None of the Indian batters could construct a substantial innings, leaving the visitors in a vulnerable position.
In reply, Australia began cautiously but steadily. By the end of the day’s play, they reached 86 for the loss of one wicket, trailing India by 94 runs. Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney were at the crease, showing resilience with an unbroken 62-run partnership. Labuschagne, with 20 runs, played the anchor role, while McSweeney’s fluent 38 kept the scoreboard ticking. Jasprit Bumrah claimed the only Australian wicket, dismissing Usman Khawaja for 13 runs with a sharp delivery that was well caught by Rohit Sharma at slip.
Conclusion
While the speed glitch surrounding Siraj’s delivery has been debunked, the buzz it created reflects the immense enthusiasm fans have for such records. Meanwhile, the Adelaide Test continues to promise gripping cricket, with both teams eager to seize control of the series. Fans will undoubtedly keep their eyes on Siraj, hoping for more fiery spells—albeit at more believable speeds.
