In a light-hearted but eyebrow-raising moment during England’s second innings on Day 2, Mitchell Starc briefly halted his run-up and gestured toward non-striker Brydon Carse — appearing to threaten a mankad before pulling out with a smile.
The moment came in the 32nd over, right after Gus Atkinson had launched Starc for back-to-back sixes. As Carse stood in his crease, Starc stopped mid-stride, turned, and flashed a wry grin at the England batter. Carse responded with a smile of his own, and play resumed without incident.
The exchange added a burst of drama and humour to an otherwise fiery spell of short-ball bowling from Starc, who already has 10 wickets in the match (7 in the first innings, 3 in the second).
Australia continued with their aggressive short-ball tactics, but Atkinson briefly counter-attacked with two huge sixes off Starc. Even so, England remain in deep trouble at the fall of seven wickets, with Australia’s bowlers in complete control.
