Mitchell Starc loses cool, charges at Mehidy Hasan as Australia stare at humiliation against Bangladesh: ‘Get off…'

Mehidy gestured towards Starc and repeatedly explained to Dharmasena that he had been watching the ball and had not seen the fast bowler in his path. Dharmasena intervened before the exchange could escalate. There was no confirmed physical contact between the two players, while the completed single was allowed to stand. No penalty was imposed on Mehidy.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who was on commentary, did not believe Mehidy had deliberately run through the protected section. Ponting observed that the batter had been watching the ball and, upon looking forward, found Starc occupying the space in front of him.

Under the Laws of Cricket, a batter can be warned for causing deliberate or avoidable damage to the protected area of the pitch. After a first-and-final warning, another infringement during the same innings can lead to the runs being disallowed and five penalty runs being awarded to the fielding team.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Dharmasena’s intervention constituted a formal warning under the relevant law. Neither player had publicly addressed the confrontation by the close of play, while no disciplinary action had been announced.

Also Read: Aussies in trouble: Tanzid Hasan's maiden Test century adds insult to injury on Darwin day two

The incident came amid a deeply frustrating day for Australia. After being dismissed for 198 on the opening day, the hosts watched Bangladesh reach 351 for six and establish a commanding first-innings lead of 153 runs. Tanzid Hasan struck a maiden Test century, making 101 in only his second appearance, while Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 84 and Mominul Haque scored 49.

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