Harshit Rana reacted to his banter with Australian speedster Mitchell Starc on Day 2 of the Perth Test on Saturday, November 23. Harshit was impressive with the ball, taking three wickets in Australia’s first innings. He bowled short balls to the left-handed Starc, with the latter reminding him of his pace and long memory.

Harshit and Starc shared the dressing room for the Kolkata Knight Riders during the Indian Premier League 2024. Speaking at the press conference, Rana said that he shares a close bond with Starc, and there is no bad blood between the two.

“We are very good friends and played together in the IPL. Such banter happens on the field and it wasn’t a big deal. Only a few words were exchanged,” Harshit Rana said.

Harshit conceded 48 runs and dismissed three batters, including Travis Head. He was attacking the Head’s stumps and bowled a good delivery to send the batter back. “We had discussed about setting up a batter to take his wicket. I delivered a good ball and took his wicket,” he added.

Harshit lauded captain Jasprit Bumrah for helping him. “His bowling spell made things easier for me in Perth. Jassi bhaiya creates pressure from one end, which allows other bowlers to take wickets.”

India were bowled out for 150 runs in their first innings, while Australia managed 104. The sub-continent nation were 172/0 at the stumps on Day 2. India have taken an overall lead of 218 runs.