The fifth and final day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was packed with drama, but it was Travis Head’s bizarre finger celebration after dismissing Rishabh Pant that truly left one and all buzzing about.
Head’s unusual finger gesture left fans and commentators scratching their heads, wondering what it meant. The Australian star has been continuously tormenting India with both bat and ball and on Day 5 of the fourth Test, the part-time spinner made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Pant.
Travis Head’s finger gesture after Rishabh Pant’s dismissal becomes talk of the Boxing Day Test
But it was Travis Head’s strange celebration that quickly became the talk of the town. Pointing his finger through a circle made with his other hand, Head sparked a whirlwind of reactions. While some found it unique, many have been slamming the Aussie for his vulgar and inappropriate gesture.
The situation only grew more controversial when Cricket Australia (CA) posted the clip on social media, only to remove it shortly after, adding even more fuel to the fire. However, the reason behind Head’s controversial reason has been revealed in the latter session at the MCG.
Actually, Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw stepped in to explain Travis Head’s unusual celebration amidst the uproar on social media over the obscene gesture during the live match. Brayshaw revealed that it wasn’t random, as Head had previously joked about needing to “put the digit on ice” after his impressive 4/10 performance against Sri Lanka in 2022.
The real reason behind the controversial gesture revealed
James Brayshaw said while commentating in the MCG Test: “Now, great people in the back have said after he took 4-10 within 17 balls in Sri Lanka in 2022, he was quoted as saying, ‘I had to put the digit on ice.'” So that was the celebration. He said, ‘I just got him, and I’m putting it back on ice.’.”
Brayshaw’s fellow commentator Greg Blewett hailed his colleague for clearing the air. Greg Blewett said during the commentary, “You have done some investigating, haven’t you, JB? I had no idea what that was all about. Good work.”
However, Brayshaw credited the behind-the-scenes team for revealing the interesting details. He added, “I would like to take credit, but I had nothing to do with it. I was handed it on a bit of paper. That was a good get from our team.”
The reason behind the Celebration of Travis Head. 😄👌 pic.twitter.com/FiRbZVYFrR
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 320, 2024
Travis Head reacts to his controversial gesture after Australia wins Boxing Day Test against India
After Australia won the Boxing Day Test by 184 runs against India at the MCG, Travis Head ‘laughed’ at the gesture he made to celebrate Rishabh Pant’s wicket on Day 5. However, he refused to reveal much detail about his controversial celebration during the thrilling encounter in Melbourne.
But Head opened up about his plan and how he dismissed Pant at the MCG. He explained, “Have everyone on the fence and bowl a rank one. Look, I just sent it down there and saw what happens; very lucky it turned our way. I was one of the level ones to keep the boys in check under the helmet.”
Now, the big question is whether the ICC match referee will take action against Head. If the gesture is considered inappropriate, Head could face a fine or even a suspension.