Mohammed Siraj’s fierce delivery strikes Mitchell Marsh’s head sparking immediate concern in Perth
In a riveting encounter at the Optus Stadium in Perth, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj delivered a sharp bouncer that struck Australian captain Mitchell Marsh on the head during the first ODI of the three-match series on October 16. The incident raised immediate concerns as the match progressed.
Match Summary
In a rain-curtailed match, India managed to score 136 runs for nine wickets in 26 overs. KL Rahul emerged as the top scorer, making 38 runs off 31 balls, with contributions from Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
- India’s Key Performers:
- KL Rahul: 38 runs off 31 balls
- Axar Patel: 31 runs off 38 balls
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: 19* runs off 11 balls
- Bowling Highlights:
- Josh Hazlewood: 2 wickets
- Mitchell Owen: 2 wickets
- Matthew Kuhnemann: 2 wickets
Incident of the Match
The pivotal moment occurred during Australia’s innings when Siraj bowled a bouncer that reached a speed of approximately 138 km/h. The ball struck Marsh on the side of his helmet after he mishit a pull shot. Wicketkeeper KL Rahul and Siraj promptly checked on Marsh’s condition, demonstrating great sportsmanship.
An Australian physiotherapist quickly assessed Marsh on the field by performing a mandatory concussion test. Fortunately, he cleared the evaluation and resumed batting without any signs of serious injury.
Current Series Status
At the time of the incident, Australia was chasing a target of 137 runs and had reached 94 for two after 15 overs. The team’s other opener, Matthew Short, matched Marsh’s score of 37, helping maintain control of the chase.
The teams are set to face off again in the second ODI in Adelaide on October 23.
Mitchell Marsh’s Recent Form
Mitchell Marsh has displayed exceptional performance throughout the year in white-ball cricket. Notably, during a recent home series against South Africa, he scored a remarkable 206 runs in three matches, averaging 68.66 with one century and one fifty.
He also excelled in a T20I series against New Zealand earlier in October, finishing as the top scorer with 197 runs while maintaining a strike rate of 191.26.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year, Marsh played for the Lucknow Super Giants, accumulating 627 runs in 13 matches, showcasing his consistent ability in various formats.
As the series continues, fans are eager to see if Marsh can sustain his impressive form, particularly following the incident with Siraj’s fierce delivery during this ODI.
