India‘small Mohammed Siraj and Australia‘small Travis Head are set to face penalties from the ICC after their heated exchange during the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. The incident happened on Day 2 of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when Siraj gave Head an aggressive dismissal after getting him out for a magnificent 140.
Head responded with abusive language as he turned back. The act attracted scrutiny from both officials and cricket fans. Although the two players later clarified their issue, the ICC is very likely to impose fines and demerit points for their conduct.
Head Siraj Heated Moment on Day 2
The fight unfolded in the 82nd over of Australia’s innings. Siraj, frustrated after conceding a six earlier in the over, delivered a perfect yorker that smashed Head’s stumps. His celebration was lively and he seemed to direct his energy towards the departing batter. Head, however, did not take kindly to the gesture, reportedly using abusive language as he left the field.
At the press conference later in the day, Head defended his reaction. He claimed that he had jokingly said “good bowling” to Siraj before the situation escalated.
“He probably went a little too far. so I’m disappointed with the backlash I got back,” Head said. “I don’t want to give him too much airtime, but I’m standing up for myself. That’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 chat with Harbhajan Singh on Star Sports.
“When you get hit for a six on a good ball, it fires you up differently,” Siraj said. “When I bowled to him, I celebrated and he abused me. It’s there for all to see. What he said at the press conference was not correct. It is not true that he only said ‘good bowling’.
Siraj emphasized that cricket is a gentleman’s game and 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 the players. While the match referee chose not to impose severe penalties, the players are expected to face fines and receive demerit points.
However, the tension between Siraj and Head seemed to ease on Day 3. The two were seen engaging in a brief conversation when Siraj came out to bat and exchanged a respectful handshake after the match.
Head, speaking to ABC Sports after the match, revealed that both players had resolved the misunderstanding.
“He came out and said it was a little misunderstanding. I think we will move on. We had a great week so let’s not ruin it. I’m sweet and I think it’s the same,” Head said.
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