Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has shared his thoughts on the verbal altercation between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head during the second Test match in Adelaide. Ricky Ponting said that he knew Mohammed Siraj was in trouble when he saw the send-off after the wicket of Travis Head.
The incident occurred during the 82nd over of Australia’s first innings. Siraj dismissed Travis Head with a crushing yorker after being smacked for two boundaries in the over. The Indian pacer gave Head a heated send-off, pointing towards the dugout. Head exchanged words with Siraj before walking off.
I Actually Got Worried For Mohammed Siraj – Ricky Ponting
Both Siraj and Head received demerit points from the ICC for their on-field confrontation. On a recent episode of the ICC Review, Ricky Ponting stated that he got worried for Siraj when he saw the send-off. Ponting said that umpires and referees don’t like send-offs directed towards the dressing room.
“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 said.
It Was Accidental the Way That Whole Thing Played Out – Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting said that the whole episode between Siraj and Head was likely a misunderstanding. The 49-year-old stated that Rohit Sharma would likely expect his fast bowlers to display aggression in such situations.
“Looking back at it now, I think it was accidental the way that whole thing played out. I don’t think there was any malice meant at the start,” Ponting added.
“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.”
“Rohit (Sharma) I’m sure would expect these fast bowlers to react like that. When they’re under the pressure and they’re getting hit and then they’ve just got a wicket you’d expect that they’d be up and about,” the 49-year-old said.
Mohammed Siraj, Travis Head Penalized for Altercation During Second Test
Mohammed Siraj faced boos from the local crowd after a heated exchange with Travis Head. During the press conference, Head claimed he only said, “Well bowled.” However, Siraj later stated that Head lied in the press conference. Both players ended the sledging after Australia‘s 10-wicket victory.
Both players were sanctioned by the ICC for breaching the Code of Conduct. Siraj was fined 20% of his match fee and received a demerit point for violating Article 2.5. Head was also given a demerit point for breaching Article 2.13. They will be next seen in action during the third Test, starting on December 14.
Also read: Usman Khawaja brutally trolls Sachin Tendulkar on Instagram after Australia’s Adelaide Test win