Bouncers are often a bowler’s weapon of choice, capable of unsettling a batter, and sometimes even forcing them into a defensive position. On the second day of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Harshit Rana unleashed a brilliant bouncer that caught Mitchell Starc off guard and his helmet in trouble.
Overnight batters Mitchell Starc and Alex Carey took to the field on the second morning, but Jasprit Bumrah continued his dominant spell, striking early to dismiss Carey in the 29th over and bring Nathan Lyon to the crease. The pitch remained conducive to pace, and Harshit Rana made his mark by finding Lyon’s edge, leaving Australia at a precarious 79/9. Despite their dominance, the Indian bowlers faced growing frustration as Starc and Josh Hazlewood fought hard, adding 18 valuable runs and taking Australia to 99/9. Amidst this, there came a moment when Rana dished a bouncer which hit Starc’s helmet.
On the third ball of the 40th over, Harshit Rana bowled a well-directed bouncer, pitching it short and causing the ball to fly at Mitchell Starc as he tried to duck. Unfortunately, Starc misjudged the delivery, and it struck him on the head, leaving him visibly shaken. Showing a sportsmanlike gesture, Rana immediately walked over to check on his KKR teammate, gesturing if he was alright, to which Starc responded with a thumbs-up. As per protocol, Starc underwent a quick concussion test with the team doctor and physio, but after a brief pause, he was cleared to continue, much to the relief of the players and fans. The Twitterverse praised Rana for his concern, highlighting the camaraderie between the two.
Straight headshot
Going for the head
Harshit Rana bowling bouncers to Mitchell Starc pic.twitter.com/61HKilj93J
— 🦉 (@Flicks_it) November 23, 2024
The way Harshit Rana quickly went to Starc to assure whether he was fine after a lethal bouncer or not
Full of aggression but kindness as well, Well done Harshit#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/KctSPiHnhG— Satyam (@iamsatypandey) November 23, 2024
Lethal
Target acquired
Harshit Rana’s bouncer targeted Mitchell Starc’s Helmet.
Another Fun Conversation in the Middle.এই জন্য ই ক্রিকেট ভালো লাগে। Cricket is funny loving game❤️❤️❤️ #AUSvsIND #INDvsAUS #Harshitrana #mitchellstarc #Election2024 #2024MAMA #ENHYPEN #2024MAMAAWARDS #ENHYPEN #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/86sxNeWYJU— Sports With Suman (@suman51530) November 23, 2024
Harshit Rana’s bouncer targeted Mitchell Starc’s Helmet.
Another Fun Conversation in the Middle. pic.twitter.com/FgmeT02bDd— হৃদয় হরণ 💫✨ (@thundarrstorm) November 23, 2024
Don’t mess
Revenge
Starc ho jitne bouncer dala jaa rha hai ye banda chun chun ke dalega bouncer
😂😂😂#INDvsAUS— Rajjj (@VermarajC) November 23, 2024
Mitchell Starc tried to bully Harshit Rana by telling he can bowl faster but good to see Harshit not taking a backstep & not stopped bowling the bouncer.
— Vipul Ghatol 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks) November 23, 2024
IPL Memories
I remember how Starcy used to praise Harshit during his KKR days and helping Harshit in his training so Stracy teasing him or Harshit being so extra concerned for Starc after the bouncer is nothing just pure love. https://t.co/KlmPD3TcP3
— Nehru (@pataa_nahi) November 23, 2024
