NEW DELHI: The fiery dismissal of Travis Head by Mohammed Siraj in the second Test sparked a storm on social media, with cricket fans and pundits weighing in on the dramatic exchange that followed.
Siraj, known for his aggressive bowling and animated celebrations, delivered a perfect yorker to dismantle Head’s stumps on Saturday during the day-night at Adelaide.
The moment escalated when Siraj approached Head with a fiery send-off, prompting boos from the Adelaide crowd and stirring heated debates online.
Reactions poured in, with many criticizing Siraj’s behaviour as unsportsmanlike.
A section of fans labelled the gesture disrespectful, with one comment reading, “Siraj, you’re a disgrace to yourself, Test cricket and your country.”
Others argued that such aggression is part of the competitive spirit of the game.
Some voiced support for Head, who had been pivotal with a stellar 140-run knock featuring 17 boundaries and four sixes.
However, Indian fans were quick to defend Siraj, citing Head’s formidable history against India as justification for the bowler’s intensity.
Head’s match-winning performances in high-pressure games, including his pivotal 137 in the ODI World Cup final, once again made the headlines.
“I said, ‘Well bowled,’ but he thought otherwise when he pointed me to the sheds. Slightly disappointed with the way that transpired. It is what it is. If they want to react like that, and if that’s how they want to represent themselves, then so be it.” Head, explaining the Siraj incident, told broadcasters Fox Sports at the end of the day’s play.
“I don’t want to give too much air to him (Siraj). I feel like going out and playing the game I would like,” Head told reporters in the post-day conference. “I would also like to stand up for myself. I would like to think that in our team we wouldn’t do that, and that’s how I like to play the game. I feel like my teammates are the same.”