Sat Dec 28 06:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Aussie Pacer’s Bail-Flipping Trick Leads to Crucial Wicket in Melbourne Test
**Melbourne, Australia** – A bizarre yet effective tactic paid off for Australia during the third day of the fourth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, frustrated by a wicketless spell, resorted to “flipping the bails”—a trend started by Stuart Broad in the Ashes—during a break in play. This seemingly innocuous act was followed immediately by the dismissal of Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, caught lbw by Nathan Lyon in the very next over.
The incident occurred after Starc’s 21st over, a period in which he’d also had a conversation with the physio and dropped a half chance. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan jokingly criticized Starc’s self-focused action, but the result ultimately vindicated the Australian bowler. Jadeja’s departure, after scoring 17 runs, was a significant blow to India’s lower-order fightback.
Despite Starc’s success, India’s lower middle-order put up a strong resistance. Nitish Reddy scored a maiden Test half-century, eventually finishing unbeaten on 85, while Washington Sundar contributed a valuable 40. Their efforts helped India recover from 221/7 to 326/7 before rain forced an early lunch. Reddy’s impressive knock leaves him poised to become the first Indian number eight batsman to score a century in Australia.
At tea, India still trailed Australia by 148 runs. Starc’s final figures were 22 overs, one maiden, 84 runs, and one crucial wicket, achieved with a little help from an unconventional strategy. The unusual bail-flipping incident adds another intriguing chapter to the already fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
First Piper 