Ashwin’s move came as he was bowling to Labuschagne. (Screengrab/AP) After India off-spinner R Ashwin gave Steve Smith an all-mighty scare during the first session of Day 3 of the 2nd Test in New Delhi, teammate Virat Kohli burst into peals of laughter.
This was after Ashwin stopped in his delivery stride during the 15th over of the Australia innings, reminding Smith about the importance of staying in the crease.
Ashwin, an intelligent thinker of the game, was almost about to deliver the ball but withdrew at the last moment forcing Smith to scamper back into the crease.
Both the Australian batter and Indian fielders saw the humorous side of things and shared a laugh.
Ashwin again 😂👌. Look at Virat Kohli and Steve Smith #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/OsOCQseqwJ
— Nitish Tiwary (@TiwaryT21821046) February 19, 2023
Ashwin Mankading vs marnus labuschagne#IND VS AUS pic.twitter.com/fzr7g0pCvu
— Preetibaisla (@itspreetibaisla) February 19, 2023
Meanwhile, it was Ashwin who removed Travis Head and Steve Smith quickly in the morning session. Head departed for 43, while Smith, who fell to Ashwin second time in the match, managed only nine.
Ashwin (3/59) played the perfect supporting act as eight Australian batters failed to reach double figures save overnight pair of Travis Head (45) and Marnus Labschagne (35), who had briefly counter-attacked last evening with some degree of success.
But it all changed in the morning session once Head got an off-break from Ashwin and the edge was picked up by Kona Bharat behind the stumps.
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