[Watch] "Why are you batting behind Siraj" - Aussie bowler's curious question to Jasprit Bumrah on Day 5 of BGT 2024-25 3rd Test 

Veteran Australia spinner Nathan Lyon questioned why Jasprit Bumrah was batting at No. 10, below Mohammed Siraj in the batting order on Day 5 of the third Border-Gavaskar series Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. The ace pacer played a handy knock to rescue India from the follow-on predicament and remained unbeaten on 10 off 38 deliveries.

Bumrah's batting stocks have risen considerably in the recent past, with famous cameos in Lord's and Edgbaston. However, he is still Team India's bonafide No. 10, with Siraj deployed higher in the order. Siraj has recorded double figures in Tests only twice and his average reads 4.80, slightly less than Bumrah's.

Bumrah played the perfect role by holding down one end and frustrating the Australian bowlers with the 10th-wicket partnership. Siraj, on the other hand, has been called out for his questionable judgment when it comes to batting. He recently copped the blame for evading strike and also burning through a review while coming in as a night watchman during the home series against New Zealand.

"Why are you batting behind Siraj," Lyon enquired to Bumrah at the non-striker's end (via Star Sports on X).

"There is a mystery behind it," Bumrah replied.

Siraj was dismissed for one run off 11 deliveries by Mitchell Starc in Team India's first innings at The Gabba.

"We understand that he was promoted in the police force, but how did he get promoted here as well?" - Harbhajan Singh on Siraj batting at No. 9 ahead of Bumrah

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also questioned Team India's decision to send in Mohammed Siraj ahead of Jasprit Bumrah in the batting order.

"He (Lyon) asked a valid question. On basis of what runs was 'DSP' Siraj promoted in the batting order. We understand that he was promoted in the police force, but how did he get promoted here as well? Did he get promoted in the batting order, because he got promoted in the police force?" Harbhajan quipped on air (via Star Sports on X).

Across 65 innings, 60 of Bumrah's outings with the bat have come in at either No. 10 or No. 11. Siraj, on the other hand, batted at No. 9 during India's tour of South Africa and the ongoing series against Australia.