Mitchell Starc, Mehidy Hasan Miraz clash: What happened during Darwin Test moment? Check viral video here

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc and Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz were involved in a tense exchange during the final stages of the second day of the first Test in Darwin on Friday.

Starc, Miraz Clash Over Protected Area

The incident occurred during Starc's 21st over, the 103rd over of Bangladesh's innings. Miraz struck the ball towards point and ran for a single, but appeared to run through the protected area in the middle of the pitch while watching the ball.

Umpire Kumar Dharmasena immediately intervened and warned Miraz about running on the centre strip.


Miraz explained that he had not seen Starc because he was focused on the ball. However, Starc was unhappy with the explanation and told the Bangladesh batter to stay away from the protected area.

Watch video here:

What Happened Between Starc And Miraz?

Batters, like bowlers, are expected to avoid the protected central area of the pitch. While bowlers must stay away from it during their follow-through, batters are expected to avoid the area when running between the wickets.

Miraz initially looked towards Starc while beginning his run, but then turned his attention to the ball. By the time he looked forward again, he was almost face-to-face with Starc.

Instead of going around the Australian fast bowler, Miraz took the shorter route through the centre of the pitch. Dharmasena stepped in and warned him before the run was completed.

Miraz then raised his arm towards Starc and explained that he could not see where he was going because he was watching the ball.

“It’s my follow-through, now your follow-through. Get off the wicket,” Starc could be heard saying while pointing at the Bangladeshi right-hander.

“I can’t see, I can’t see. I didn’t see,” Miraz explained to Dharmasena.

As Starc walked back to his mark, he could again be heard saying: “You’re not in Bangladesh now, hey?”

Ricky Ponting Defends Miraz

Former Australia captain and Channel 7 commentator Ricky Ponting felt Miraz had not deliberately run through the protected area.

“Yeah, I’m not sure that was on purpose,” Ponting said.

“By the time he looked up, Starc was in his way and he just opted to go the centre of the wicket side of the fast bowler.”

Bangladesh Take Control Of Test

Bangladesh finished Day 2 in a strong position at 6-351, taking a 153-run first-innings lead with four wickets still in hand.

Miraz was unbeaten on 32, while Hasan Mahmud remained not out on 13 off 76 balls. Hasan had taken six wickets on the opening day.

Tanzid Hasan, playing only his second Test, scored 101 to put Bangladesh in a strong position as they look to secure what could become the biggest Test victory in their history.