Image: Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head may face ICC sanctions / © ESPNCricinfo
The second test match between India and Australia saw some of the best moments where emotions ran high, especially during an incident involving Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head. On Day 2 of the match, Siraj dismissed Head with a fiery send-off after the Australian batter failed to play a full toss. Siraj had been hit for a six by Head just a ball before, which likely fueled his intense reaction.
However, tensions escalated when Head reportedly said “well-bowled mate” to Siraj, which the Indian bowler denied in a press conference, accusing Head of lying about the exchange. The ICC is now considering potential sanctions for both players, as they may have violated the Code of Conduct with their heated exchange. In the statement given by Mohammed Siraj, he said:
I only celebrated at the start; I didn’t say anything to him. What he said in the press conference wasn’t right, it’s a lie that he only said “well bowled” to me. It’s there for everyone to see that that’s not what he said to me. We respect everyone; it’s not like we disrespect other players. I respect everybody because cricket is a gentleman’s game, but what he did wasn’t right. I didn’t like it at all.
While an official statement is still pending, reports suggest that both players could escape suspension due to their sportsmanship shown in later interactions. Head later clarified the situation when he spoke to Siraj, and the two seemed to resolve their differences.