As Bangladesh strengthened its position in the Test against Australia, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mitchell Starc were involved in a heated exchange on the field. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena quickly intervened to defuse the situation.
The incident took place in the 103rd over of Bangladesh’s innings. Miraz pushed a Starc delivery towards point and set off for a single. As he was watching the ball, he failed to notice Starc in front of him. While trying to pass the Australian pacer, Miraz ran through the protected area of the pitch, which batters are required to avoid under the rules.
When Dharmasena warned him, Miraz replied, “I didn’t see.”
At that point, Starc’s angry voice could be heard on the stump microphone. He told Miraz, “This is my bloody crease, now get your bloody self off the wicket.” As he returned to his position, the Australian pacer added, “You’re not in Bangladesh anymore.”
However, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said Miraz had not deliberately run through the protected area of the pitch. Speaking in commentary for Channel Seven, he said, “I don’t think it was intentional.” Ponting believed Miraz took that route while trying to complete the run quickly, with Starc standing in his way.
Commentator Alistair Nicholson said Starc’s heated reaction reflected Australia’s frustration during the match.
Bangladesh remained firmly in control by the end of the day, with Miraz and Hasan continuing to frustrate the Australian bowlers. After Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s 101 and Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 84, the resistance from Miraz and Hasan extended Bangladesh’s lead to 156 runs.
At stumps, Miraz was unbeaten on 32 and Hasan on 13.
FP/R
