WATCH: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mitchell Starc Change bails, play mind games on Day 5 in MCG

Stuart Broad’s “switching the bell” in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has become a custom. Mitchell Starc and Mohammed Siraj have already done it, and on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, the latter reprised the action. Before lunch, the express pacer got rid of Virat Kohli to give Australia the advantage, but youthful players Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal looked fine after the beak.

Starc was observed altering the bails during his spell in an attempt to break the partnership and take a wicket. It’s interesting to note that both Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were seen grinning when Jaiswal was caught playing mind games and changed the bails once more. And thereafter, Starc spoke briefly with Jaiswal about the bails being switched.

Watch the video below: 

Starc jaiswal FUNNY #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zCuMgQXwSZ

— స్వʀᴏᴏᴘ 𝕏 (@swaroop__28) December 30, 2024

Meanwhile, the visitors were down by 340 runs after the first session. After doing the unfathomable at the Gabba in 2021, India was anticipated to chase down the total, but the team got off to a sluggish start. Furthermore, Pat Cummins was on fire, and they lost Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in quick succession. Kohli’s wicket increased pressure on India, who appeared vulnerable.

“I believe in myself, that’s why I am here. I don’t believe in superstitions,” Jaiswal said.

“What made you change back if not superstations,” Starc replied.

“I am just enjoying this moment in life,” Yashasvi Jaiswal responded.

They were able to start the second session on a high note, which is crucial because it would keep India from losing the match. The visitors can complete the task if Pant and Jaiswal are able to play to the end of the day, but the issue of winning the game shouldn’t interfere with their focus.

In the meantime, in order to increase their chances of victory, the hosts must end the relationship. Since the pacers are already beginning to feel worn out, Nathan Lyon will be crucial for the rest of the day. The high point of Day 5 will probably be his fight with Pant.