Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Former Aussie Captain Breaks Silence on The Heated Controversy Between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head
Ricky Ponting reflected on the tense exchange between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head during the Adelaide Test. The clash arose after Siraj dismissed Head, leading to a heated send-off and an ICC penalty for both players. Ponting called it a case of competitive fire but warned about such gestures.
Tensions flared during the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide when Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and Australian batter Travis Head were involved in a verbal clash. The drama unfolded in the 82nd over of Australia’s innings when Siraj, after conceding two boundaries, delivered a pinpoint yorker to dismiss Head. Fired up by the breakthrough, Siraj pointed toward the Australian dugout in a charged send-off, which drew a sharp reaction from Head.
Reflecting on the incident, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting expressed concern over Siraj’s gesture. Speaking about the incident, Ponting remarked:
Look, it wasn’t that big a deal. I was in comms (commentary box) at the time. As soon as I saw the send-off, I actually got worried for Siraj. I know how the umpires react to those things. Umpires and referees don’t like seeing the send-off, pointed in the direction of the dressing room.
Ponting suggested the clash stemmed from the intensity of the game. He added:
Looking back at it now, I think it was accidental the way that whole thing played out…I know Travis has gone and said that he said “well bowled” at the start. Siraj obviously wasn’t happy about being hit over the deep backward square for six the ball before.
The ICC penalized both players for breaching the Code of Conduct. Siraj was fined 20% of his match fee and handed a demerit point for violating Article 2.5, while Head received a demerit point under Article 2.13. As the series heats up, all eyes will be on their conduct in the upcoming third Test starting December 14.
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