Mehidy Hasan Miraz Breaks Silence On Fight With Mitchell Starc

Mehidy Hasan Miraz addressing the Mitchell Starc fight [Source: X]

Bangladesh are currently on the verge of winning the first Test against Australia, with the hosts in Darwin trailing by 67 runs at the end of Day 3 and four wickets down. As Bangladesh look set to script only their second Test victory against Australia, another spicy affair took place between Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Australia's pace star Mitchell Starc. 

Reflecting on the fiery confrontation that took place on Day 2 of the game, Mehidy Hasan Miraz finally broke his silence on what actually happened on the pitch and revealed the current equation between the two players.

What actually happened between Starc and Miraz on Day 2 of the BAN vs AUS Test?

For the unaware, Mehidy clashed with Mitchell Starc while batting on Day 2 of the match as Bangladesh were facing the 103rd over. Miraz took guard and pushed Starc's half-pitch delivery towards the third man before running for a single. 

However, while running, Miraz moved into the danger area of the pitch after finding Starc in his path. Starc was also caught on the stump mic telling Miraz to "get off the wicket", and a brief tussle between the players and the on-field umpire also took place. 

Mehidy Hasan Miraz shares Mitchell Starc’s reaction to the fight

Nevertheless, matters did not escalate, and finally, after the end of Day 3, Mehidy opened up about what happened after the confrontation and what actually took place on the field.

Speaking to the media, Miraz addressed why the commotion between the two players happened in the first place and explained that both players had apologised to each other on the morning of Day 3.

"Yesterday, nothing much happened. He just accidentally came in front of me and I couldn't notice him either. So, I mistakenly ran on the middle of the pitch. But this type of incident happens on the cricket field, and it's nothing new. 

Also, he spoke to me this morning regarding what happened yesterday and said that it's okay. Even I was at fault, but it's okay," Mehidy Hasan Miraz said at the post-match press conference.

Also Read- Devdutt Padikkal Leaves Sachin Tendulkar And Virat Kohli Behind With Galle Glory

What Is The Rule About Running On The Middle Of The Pitch?

Under the MCC Laws of Cricket, the central section of the pitch is a protected area. Bowlers must stay away from this central zone during their natural follow-through after releasing the ball. Batters, too, must avoid running or jogging through this middle strip unnecessarily while completing their runs between the wickets.

Usually, umpires issue an official warning to players for a first offence, while a second offence can result in a final warning or sanction. Subsequent offences can often result in official penalties, which may include awarding five penalty runs to the opposing team. 

However, none of that took place between Mitchell Starc and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, although Miraz briefly stepped into the middle of the pitch.

Umpire Kumar Dharmasena did not penalise either Bangladesh or Australia and diffused the situation by separating Mitchell Starc and Miraz.

Also Read- Australia Can Still Win 1st Test Vs Bangladesh, Josh Hazlewood Explains How