Harshit Rana's bouncer barrage provokes Mitchell Starc, but Australia great retaliates with 'I bowl faster than you' threat

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana are unleashing their full force at the Optus Stadium in Perth, causing Australia to scramble for cover. The visitors are dominating in the first Test, with both teams giving their all to outshine each other. Amidst the intense cricket action, a heartwarming moment between Harshit Rana and Mitchell Starc, former teammates at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, is making waves on the internet. Their light-hearted conversation in the middle of the field is pure gold and a refreshing break from the tough competition.

In the 30th over of Australia's innings, Harshit Rana had Mitchell Starc ducking for cover, as he bowled a barrage of short balls. The left-handed batter had to hop a little and it was then that Starc reminded Harshit Rana, who is quicker among them two.

As Harshit Rana was making his way back to the bowling crease, Mitchell Starc said, “Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I bowl faster than you.”

Starc did not stop there, as he suggested to Harshit Rana, that when he comes out to bat, he can expect a lot of fast and short bowling coming his way.

"I've got a long memory," said Starc. Harshit Rana just responded with a smile, and the chat looked in good humour between the two.

Starc and Harshit Rana's chat continued on, in the 32nd over of the innings as well. When the Australian took a single off the fifth ball of the over, he had things to say to Harshit Rana at the non-striker's end.

Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah did not waste any time in taking his fifth wicket in the first innings of the Perth Test. He struck with his first ball on Day 2 as he sent wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey back to the pavilion.

Carey edged the delivery to wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and as a result, Bumrah registered his 11th Test five-wicket haul.

On Day 1, Bumrah had dismissed Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins.

Harshit Rana also struck on Day 2 as he dismissed Nathan Lyon.

Earlier, India were bowled out for 150 in the first innings, after opting to bat first in Perth.

However, India staged a memorable comeback with the ball in hand, led by skipper Bumrah.