The historic Lord’s Cricket Ground witnessed high-octane drama on Day 4 of the England vs India 3rd Test, but one moment involving Mohammed Siraj stole the headlines for reasons beyond pure cricketing skill. The Indian fast bowler, known for his raw aggression and unwavering energy, was slapped with a 15% fine on his match fee and handed a demerit point for a fiery send-off to England opener Ben Duckett.
This moment, though brief, had significant implications for both Siraj’s disciplinary record and the spirit of the contest. It added an extra layer of narrative to what was already a compelling Test series.
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The Incident: Siraj’s Passion Boils Over
The flashpoint came during the sixth over of England’s second innings on Day 4. Siraj, steaming in with trademark intensity, dismissed Duckett early, a pivotal moment in India’s comeback push. However, his celebration drew the ire of the match officials.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Siraj’s reaction was in “close proximity to the dismissed batter” and deemed an “excessive celebration,” violating Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. This rule aims to prevent behavior that could potentially provoke an aggressive reaction from the departing batter.
The Level 1 breach saw Siraj docked 15% of his match fee and given a second demerit point within a 24-month period. His first came during the Adelaide Test against Australia on December 7, 2024. Four demerit points over two years could lead to suspension, putting Siraj in a cautionary zone.
The charge was formally leveled by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Ahsan Raza, and fourth umpire Graham Lloyd. Siraj accepted the penalty without protest, meaning no formal hearing was required.
Rahul Reflects on Missed Momentum
While Siraj made headlines with his animated send-off, India’s batting missteps also attracted attention. KL Rahul, who scored a fine century in the same Test, candidly addressed the momentum swing caused by Rishabh Pant’s run-out on the stroke of lunch on Day 3.
Rahul and Pant had stitched a 141-run partnership that steadied India after a shaky start. But in a bid to rotate strike for Rahul to complete his century, a mix-up resulted in Pant being run out for 74. “We had spoken a few overs before that about getting to the hundred before lunch,” Rahul explained. “Pant just tried to get me back on strike, but it was a ball I could have hit for four. That run-out really shifted the momentum.”
Rahul eventually reached his hundred after lunch but was dismissed soon after, leaving India wobbling at 254/5. Though Ravindra Jadeja’s resilience helped level scores with England’s first-innings total, India’s bid for dominance had already been derailed.
Rahul’s Formula 1-Inspired Mental Edge
On a personal level, Rahul’s return to form has been a story of mental discipline and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Formula 1 athletes, Rahul shared how working with Red Bull’s performance coaches helped sharpen his reaction time and focus. “I did some mental drills with an expert in Salzburg. These techniques are used by F1 drivers to improve reaction time,” said Rahul. “That, combined with my natural love for batting long, has really helped me.”
Rahul’s methods underline the growing intersection of technology, cross-sport learning, and modern-day cricket performance.
The Bigger Picture: Intensity vs Sportsmanship
While Siraj’s actions have stirred debate, they also reflect a broader tension in modern Test cricket — the line between competitive fire and disciplinary boundaries. Siraj, known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, will now have to tread carefully, with two demerit points already to his name.
India, meanwhile, will rue the missed opportunities in what was shaping up to be a potentially match-winning position. As the series intensifies, composure and discipline — both mental and behavioral — will be key for the visitors.
FAQs
Why was Mohammed Siraj fined during the England vs India 3rd Test?
Siraj was fined for a Level 1 ICC Code breach after a close-proximity, aggressive send-off to Ben Duckett.
What are demerit points in cricket?
Demerit points are disciplinary marks under the ICC Code. Accumulating four in 24 months can lead to suspension.
How many demerit points does Siraj have now?
Siraj now has two demerit points within a 24-month window.
What caused the momentum shift in India’s innings?
Rishabh Pant’s run-out just before lunch on Day 3 disrupted India’s strong batting rhythm.
What training helped KL Rahul regain form?
Rahul credited reaction-time mental drills, inspired by Formula 1 techniques, for sharpening his focus and consistency.
