Harshit Rana frustrates Mitchell Starc with barrage of bouncers, ex-KKR colleague reminds 'I bowl faster than you'

Harshit Rana frustrates Mitchell Starc with barrage of bouncers (AP/AFP)

The ongoing India vs Australia encounter in Perth has been a gripping one, with fast bowlers dictating the proceedings from the word go. It began with the Australian pace trio comprising Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins showcasing an excellent display of fast bowling. They were then joined by Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and together they combined to fold India for 150 in the first innings.

India in response produced an even better effort with interim skipper Jasprit Bumrah leading the show. Bumrah decimated the Australian top three, also becoming the first bowler in a decade to dismiss Steve Smith for a golden duck in Test. Bumrah found great assist from his teammates Harshit Rana, making his Test debut, and Mohammed Siraj. The trio helped India reduce Australia to 67/7 at Stumps on Day 1.

Mitch Starc offers a little warning to Harshit Rana #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/KoFFsdNbV2
cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 23, 2024

Bumrah resumed the proceedings the next day with a similar intent and dismissed Alex Carey for 21 to complete his five-wicket haul. Rana, who cleaned up Travis Head to pick his maiden international scalp, also joined the party and chipped in with the wicket of Nathan Lyon.

While fans were still relishing the sensational fast bowling display at the Optus Stadium, the proceedings witnessed an interesting exchange between Rana and his former KKR teammate Starc. As India looked to fold the Australian innings at the earliest possible, Rana employed an old school trick to get rid of Starc but it proved to be futile. Rana tried to test Starc with a barrage of bouncers, who was forced to remind the Indian that he can bowl quicker between the two.

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The incident took place in the 30th over as Rana was making his way back to the bowling crease. Starc called Harshit from behind and said: “Harshit, I bowl faster than you.” The exchange didn't stop there as Starc suggested that you will also be tested with the same when your turn comes. "I've got a long memory," added Starc. Rana responded to the banter with a smile.

Rana shows respect

Rana has so far shown immense respect towards Starc as there was another instance when a short delivery by him hit the Aussie on his helmet. Rana immediately apologised after the incident and walked up towards Starc to check if he's fine.

'Saw him through IPL last year'

Starc, who attended the press conference post play on Day 1, was asked to share his thoughts on the inexperienced Indian attack, which had the likes of Rana and Nitesh Reddy playing their first Test. The Australian recalled his time with KKR in the IPL previous season and lauded Rana's qualities as a bowler. "I've only seen him with the white ball, so I haven't seen any of his longer-format stuff. But he's got some good stuff. I saw him through the IPL last year, and the ball to Travis Head was another good ball," said Starc.