Mohammed Siraj, Travis Head’s Post-Match Act Wins Hearts After Send-Off Controversy

Tussled, altercations and confrontations are all part of the game but as Mohammed Siraj dismissed Travis Head on Day 2 of the pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide, a few lines were crossed. The Australia batter admitted that his face-off with Siraj went a little overboard on Saturday while also claiming that he praised the India pacer’s bowling, though jokingly. However, Siraj later countered Head’s claims, suggesting the Adelaide Test centurion didn’t say “well bowled” and lied about the incident in the press conference after the second day’s play. However, it was nice to see the two burying the hatchet during the third day’s play which concluded with a hug being exchanged between them.

Siraj’s fiery celebration after dismissing Head, who scored a counterattacking 140, sparked heated exchanges, adding drama to the second day of the Pink-ball Test here on Saturday.

Expressing disappointment at Siraj’s conduct, Head claimed that he said “well bowled” after being castled by a low toss, a statement the Indian dismissed as a lie.

“It was a good battle. I loved bowling to him. He has batted really well for his 140,” Siraj told Harbhajan Singh during an interaction on Star Sports.

“When you get hit for a six on your good ball, it kind of gets annoying. It ignites your passion. When I got him out, I celebrated but he abused me,” said Siraj. “It’s a lie that he said ‘well bowled’ to me.”

Just a couple of mates clarifying things…#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/XzcInyAKLK

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 8, 2024

It was great to see Siraj and Head exchanging a hug after the match, putting an end to the controversy.

Travis Head hugs DSP Siraj. pic.twitter.com/uau2i3idK8

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 8, 2024

The incident unfolded after Siraj, having dropped the local hero on 76 earlier in the day, conceded a six to him. The Hyderabadi responded immediately, castling Head with a low full toss and celebrating animatedly, while instructing him to walk back.

Head reacted with a few verbal volleys of his own before leaving for the dressing room. Siraj was subsequently booed by the record 50,000-plus Adelaide crowd. The pacer was later seen discussing the crowd’s reaction with the umpires.

“You can see what he actually said on TV. Initially, I only celebrated but he was the one who started the conversation. In the press conference, he lied that he said ‘well bowled.’ You can go and check the highlights again,” Siraj said.

“We don’t disrespect anyone. I respect every cricketer. Cricket is a gentleman’s game but the way acted after getting out was uncalled for.”

Head’s brilliant innings of 141-ball 140 was the backbone of Australia’s total of 337 in 87.3 overs, even as wickets fell around him. He played a pivotal role in helping Australia secure a commanding 157-run first-innings lead.

“Well, I said ‘well bowled’, but he thought otherwise when he pointed me to the sheds. Yeah, I was slightly disappointed with the way that transpired with a couple of the past innings,” Head told ‘Fox Cricket’ on Saturday.

“But, yeah, it is what it is if they want to react like that. And that’s how they want to represent themselves and so be it.”

With PTI Inputs