At present, there is a discussion in world cricket about the five-match Test series being played between India and Australia. Team India won the first Test of this series, while Australia retaliated and won the second Test match by 10 wickets. In the second Test played in Adelaide, there was a heated argument between India’s star fast bowler Mohammed Siraj and Australia’s explosive batsman Travis Head. Now Ricky Ponting’s reaction has come on this. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes that there was no malice in the dispute between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head. Also, Ponting termed this debate as casual. Let us tell you that action has also been taken against Siraj and Head regarding this matter. Siraj was fined 20 percent of the match fee and Head was reprimanded while both the players were also given one demerit point each by the ICC. There was a ‘controversy’ between Siraj and Head in the day-night test
For your information, let us tell you that the controversy between Mohammad Siraj and Travis Head took place during the Pink Ball Test match. In the 82nd over of Australia’s first innings, Head hit a six on Siraj’s ball at deep square leg. Then on the very next ball, Siraj bowled Head and gestured him to go to the dressing room. However, both of them also exchanged some words during this time, but they were not recorded in the stump mic.
Ricky Ponting told ICC Review on this matter that now looking back, I think the way it all happened was accidental. I don’t think there was any malice in the beginning. Let us tell you that Head claimed in the press conference after the end of the second day’s play that after getting out, he had told Siraj that well bowled. However, Siraj denied this claim before the start of play on the third day. He said that Head is lying now. He had abused me. Ponting further said, “I know Travis has said that he initially said well bowled. Siraj was obviously not happy with the six being hit on deep backward square. I am sure Rohit (Sharma) would expect the same reaction from these fast bowlers. When they are under pressure and shots are hit against them and then they get a wicket, you expect them to play with enthusiasm.” Ponting said that this incident was not such a big deal. He said that umpires are strict towards those bowlers who send off batsmen like this. I know how umpires react to such things. It is not liked to see umpires and referees giving farewell by pointing towards the dressing room.
