India’s Mohammed Siraj and Australia’s Travis Head are set to face penalties from the ICC following their heated exchange during the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. The incident occurred on Day 2 of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy when Siraj gave Head an aggressive send-off after bowling him out for a brilliant 140.
Head responded with abusive language as he walked back. The act drew scrutiny from officials and cricket fans alike. Even though the two players later clarified their issue, the ICC is most likely to impose fines and demerit points for their conduct.
Head Siraj Heated Moment on Day 2
The altercation unfolded in the 82nd over of Australia’s innings. Siraj, frustrated after conceding a six earlier in the over, delivered a perfect yorker that shattered Head’s stumps. His celebration was animated, and he appeared to direct his energy toward the departing batter. Head, however, did not take kindly to the gesture, reportedly using abusive language as he left the field.
In the post-day press conference, Head defended his reaction. He claimed he had jokingly said “well bowled” to Siraj before the situation escalated.
“It probably went a little bit far; that’s why I’m disappointed in the reaction I gave back,” said Head. “I don’t want to give it too much airtime, but I stand up for myself. It’s not the way I like to play the game.”
Siraj’s Version of the Events
Ahead of Day 3, Siraj clarified his stance during a conversation with Harbhajan Singh on Star Sports.
“When you get hit for a six on a good ball, it fires you up differently,” said Siraj. “When I bowled him, I celebrated, and he abused me. It’s there for everyone to see. What he said in the press conference wasn’t right. It’s not true that he only said ‘well bowled.’”
Siraj emphasised that cricket is a gentleman’s game and that respecting opponents is a priority for him.
ICC Action on Head and Siraj
According to The Daily Telegraph, the ICC will hold a disciplinary hearing for both players. While the match referee has chosen not to impose severe sanctions, the players are expected to face fines and receive demerit points.
However, the tension between Siraj and Head appeared to ease on Day 3. The two were seen engaging in a brief conversation when Siraj came out to bat, and they exchanged a respectful handshake after the match.
Head, speaking to ABC Sports post-match, revealed that both players had resolved the misunderstanding.
“He’s come out and said it was a little bit of a misunderstanding. I think we’ll move on. We’ve had a great week, so let’s not ruin it. I’m sweet, and I think he’s the same,” said Head.
𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥!
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