WATCH: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli unhappy with Marnus Labuschagne running in the middle of the pitch (Source: Star Sports/Twitter/X)
The opening day of the Boxing Day Test being played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a very dramatic one for both the teams. The Day 1 saw multiple altercations between both the teams, while a lot of arguments between the oppositions were also experienced as a fierce red-ball action took centre-stage.
One such moment came to the fore when Indian captain was seen give a warning to Marnus Labuschagne for stepping on the danger zone of the pitch while trying to grab a run. Notably, the middle of the pitch is a prohibited area to run on, as it damages the wicket by creating dry, rough patches on the surface. On air commentators also expressed displeasure on the Aussie batter's act.
"Rohit Sharma is saying to Labuschagne that he is running in the middle of the pitch," said Irfan Pathan while doing Hindi commentary on air with fellow commentator Sunil Gavaskar.
"Earlier, Sam Konstas was also running in the middle of the pitch, but no one was saying anything to him," Gavaskar told.
"And the umpires are just watching. While Rohit is trying to explain to Labuschagne, the umpire is just watching," Gavaskar added.
in the end went on to score 72 runs from 145 deliveries which included seven fours before getting dismissed by Washington Sundar while trying to clear Virat Kohli at mid-off. This was his second half-century in the series.
At Stumps on the first day, the Aussies went back with 311 for the loss of six wickets, with the senior duo of Steven Smith and Pat Cummins remaining unbeaten. For the Indians, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers for his three wickets.
