WATCH: Mohammed Siraj’s towel distracts Steve Smith; leaves Virat Kohli in splits

On the second day of the Gabba Test, Travis Head and Steve Smith’s partnership put India under immense pressure. The two shared a remarkable 241-run stand, putting Australia firmly in the driver’s seat. Both players reached their centuries during their innings. During their partnership, a bizarre incident took place. Steve Smith got irritated after being distracted by Mohammed Siraj’s towel.

Steve Smith Gets Distracted by Siraj’s Towel

During his run-up, as Mohammed Siraj bent down to deliver the ball, the towel tucked into his trousers slipped out. Seeing this, Steve Smith got distracted, and his focus shifted from the ball. As a result, he couldn’t play the shot properly — the ball took an inside edge of his bat, hit his pad, and deflected towards the leg side.

Smith immediately pointed toward the towel in frustration, signaling his complaint. Meanwhile, the two batters managed to complete a quick run. Virat Kohli, standing in the slips, couldn’t hold back his laughter after watching Smith’s reaction to the falling towel.

👆🏻 or NOT OUT? 🏏#CheteshwarPujara clears the air on whether #SteveSmith could've been dismissed after a towel dropped during #MohammedSiraj's run-up!

What do you think? 🤔#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 3rd Test, Day 2 | LIVE NOW on Star Sports! #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/TmBbOj1L8z

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 15, 2024

However, even if Steve Smith had been dismissed on that delivery, he would have been declared not out. Commentating at the time, Cheteshwar Pujara explained this to the viewers. Pujara mentioned that as per the rules, the umpire would have called the ball a dead ball due to the unusual distraction.

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According to ICC rules, if a batter is distracted by any unusual activity from the bowler — such as the bowler’s hand accidentally touching the stumps or a towel falling — the umpire can declare the ball dead. Umpire Richard Kettleborough was seen having a conversation about this rule with Mohammed Siraj.