New Delhi: India pacer Mohammed Siraj was caught repeating skipper Rohit Sharma’s iconic ‘garden’ dialogue during the pink-ball practice game at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Sunday, December 1. Siraj appeared visibly frustrated, and the cameras later revealed a security guard and several spectators near the sightscreen as the source of his annoyance.
The incident occurred in the first over of the pink-ball practice game when Mohammed Siraj was bowling to Matt Renshaw. The batter was forced to pull out of the delivery due to movement near the sightscreen, which visibly frustrated Siraj.
In a video now going viral on social media, Mohammed Siraj was heard saying, “Garden mein ghum raha hai kya?” referencing Rohit Sharma’s infamous monologue from the England series at home earlier this year. The moment has since sparked laughter and discussion among fans.
A sightscreen is an essential feature on cricket fields, designed to help the batter clearly see the bowler and the delivery. Any movement in front of the sightscreen can cause a distraction, affecting the batter’s focus and performance.
The visitors clinched the pink-ball practice game with a six-wicket victory. In the 46-overs-a-side match, India comfortably chased down the target of 241 in 43 overs. However, they continued batting until the final over to maximize their practice with the pink ball under lights.
Australia’s Test hopeful Sam Konstas impressed with a brilliant 107 off 97 deliveries, but his efforts went in vain. Meanwhile, the Indian team management adopted a strategic approach, with star players Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah opting to face each other in the nets rather than offering any insights to the Australian management.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who was not part of the Perth Test, was spotted bowling to Virat Kohli in the nets. Ashwin, known for his prowess with the pink ball, had claimed a four-wicket haul during India’s last pink-ball Test in Adelaide in the 2020-21 series.
Ravindra Jadeja participated actively in the practice game, bowling a few overs and spending some time at the crease as a batter. India is set to face Australia in the second Test, starting on December 6 in Adelaide.
