Watch: Starc's little warning for Rana, "I bowl faster"

The intense battle of the first Test between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium was punctuated by a playful yet competitive exchange between Mitchell Starc and Indian debutant Harshit Rana. The humorous moment, which highlighted the spirit of cricket, occurred during Day 2 and quickly became a talking point on social media.

Rana’s fiery spell sparks Starc’s playful jibe

The moment unfolded during the 30th over of Australia’s innings when Harshit Rana, bowling with pace and aggression, delivered a fiery barrage of short-pitched deliveries to Mitchell Starc. The Australian pacer was forced to duck and weave as Rana’s deliveries extracted sharp bounce off the lively Perth wicket.

As Rana walked back to his mark, Starc, caught on the stump mic, playfully quipped, “Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory.” The cheeky comment, delivered with a grin, hinted at possible retribution when Rana would come out to bat. Rana, unfazed, responded with a smile, demonstrating maturity and composure in only his first Test match.

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Camaraderie and competition shine through

The banter between Starc and Rana drew attention not only for its humor but also for the camaraderie between the two players, who recently shared a successful stint as teammates at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite Starc’s playful remarks, Rana showcased his potential, taking two key wickets, including Travis Head on Day 1 and Nathan Lyon on Day 2, while consistently hitting speeds over 140 km/h.

Meanwhile, India’s pace trio, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dominated Australia’s batting lineup. Bumrah’s clinical performance saw him claim a five-wicket haul, his 11th in Test cricket, as he removed Alex Carey with the first delivery of the day. Supported by Mohammed Siraj and Rana, India’s bowlers dismantled the Australian batting order, securing a significant first-innings lead by the end of the session.

The light-hearted exchange between Starc and Rana, coupled with the fierce competition on the field, exemplified the spirit of cricket—where intense rivalries are often interspersed with moments of mutual respect and camaraderie.