IND vs AUS: The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval had its fair share of drama, with Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head making headlines for their heated on field exchange. The incident occurred after Siraj dismissed Head for a stunning 140, leading to a fiery send-off that escalated into a war of words. The ICC has since stepped in, penalizing Siraj and sanctioning Head for their conduct.
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IND vs AUS: Mohammed Siraj Fined 20% of Match Fee, Travis Head Sanctioned for On Field Spat
What Happened Between Siraj and Head?
During the second day of the pink-ball Test, Siraj bowled an exceptional yorker to dismiss Travis Head, who had just smashed a six in the previous delivery. In the heat of the moment, Siraj gave the Australian batter an animated send-off. Head, seemingly displeased, retaliated with some verbal jabs, and the tension spilled over in front of a packed Adelaide Oval crowd.
The crowd, fiercely supporting their local hero, booed Siraj for his fiery celebration. Both players later gave conflicting accounts of the exchange, with Siraj accusing Head of abusing him, while Head claimed he had only said, “Well bowled.”
ICC Steps In: Fines and Sanctions
The International Cricket Council (ICC) wasted no time in addressing the altercation. Siraj was fined 20% of his match fee for breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits language or gestures that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal.
Travis Head, meanwhile, was found guilty of breaching Article 2.13, which relates to abusing players or officials during a match. While Head was not fined, both players received one demerit point each on their disciplinary records.
Fortunately for both, this was their first offence in the last 24 months, sparing them from suspension. Both players admitted to their respective breaches and accepted the sanctions without contest.
Contrasting Accounts of the Incident
The spat didn’t just remain on the field, it continued in post-match interviews. Siraj vehemently denied Head’s claim that the Australian batter had complimented him.
“Head said in the press conference that he only said ‘well bowled,’ but that’s a lie. I didn’t say anything to him initially; it was just my celebration. After I dismissed him, he abused me, and everyone saw it on TV,” Siraj told Star Sports.
Head, on the other hand, acknowledged his role but maintained that his reaction was triggered by Siraj’s behavior. Speaking to the press, he said, “There was no confrontation leading up to that moment. But I’ll admit I was disappointed in my reaction.”
Tensions Cool Down
While emotions ran high during the match, both players showed maturity by moving past the incident before the end of the Test. In the second innings, Siraj and Head were seen chatting amicably when the Indian pacer came out to bat. They even shared a hug after the match, signaling that the spat was firmly behind them.
With the series now tied 1-1, both India and Australia will head into the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting December 14. Fans will be eager to see if the intensity between Siraj and Head translates into more gripping cricket moments or if the two maintain their newfound camaraderie.
FAQs
What ICC rules did Siraj and Head breach?
Siraj breached Article 2.5 (provocative gestures or language), while Head breached Article 2.13 (abusing a player or official)
How were Siraj and Head penalized?
Siraj was fined 20% of his match fee, and both players received one demerit point on their records
