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Ricky Ponting calls out 'disgraceful' Mohammed Siraj act as Travis Head slams disrespectful Indian side

Siraj has landed himself in hot water for his fiery response to taking Travis Head’s wicket.

ben talintyre
Sports Reporter
·4-min read

Indian hothead Mohammed Siraj has been slammed by the majority of the cricket world for his behaviour in the second Test between India and Australia. The quick's antics have been questionable throughout the Adelaide Test but after giving Travis Head a gob full after dismissing him for 140, Siraj appears to have finally well and truly overstepped the mark.

Just one ball after being flicked over deep square leg for six, Siraj had his revenge after Head missed a low full toss, with the ball cannoning into middle and leg stump, sending the Aussie packing. Incredibly, despite being dispatched around the ground with ease by Head throughout his innings, the Australian gave the Indian fast bowler credit for the delivery saying, "well bowled".

Pictured L-R: Ricky Ponting, Mohammed Siraj has a few choice words for Travis Head, Travis Head
Ricky Ponting believes Mohammed Siraj went overboard with his celebrations of Travis Head's wicket. Image: Getty

But in response Siraj wasn't so kind, aggressively approaching Head and telling him to get off - in far less kind words. An irate Head hit back saying," F–k you, c–t". And former Australian great Ricky Ponting was unimpressed by the exchange and said Siraj would almost certainly find himself in trouble with match official Ranjan Madugalle for his actions.

"That’s what you call the old-fashioned send-off – umpires and referees do not see kindly to stuff like that," Ponting said on Channel Seven. "Siraj wasn’t happy to be clipped over deep backward square for six… and he might have a bit to answer for.”

While on Fox Cricket Kerry O’Keeffe couldn't believe what he was seeing. "I don’t know whether a send-off is valid when a bloke’s 140," he quipped. And unsurprisingly cricket fans flamed Siraj's actions, calling for him to be punished for his overreaction, while others labelled him as "the most unlikable cricketer" and a "disgrace".

At the end of day two, Head conceded he regretted his own role in the second session incident but said he had taken exception to several encounters with Indian players this series. “I actually jokingly said well bowled and then he pointed me to the sheds and I had my reaction as well. I don’t want to give it too much air time,” Head said.

“I was surprised at the reaction in terms of situation of the game and in the lead-up. There was no confrontation leading up to it. I felt like it was probably a little bit far at the time. That’s why I’m disappointed at the reaction that I gave back. But I’m also going to stand up for myself. That’s not how I’d like to play the game.”

Australia's Travis Head reacts as he walks back to the pavilion upon his dismissal after scoring 140 runs on the second day of the second Test cricket match between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on December 7, 2024. Travis Head blazed a sparkling 140 before Australia demolished India's top order to close in on victory in the day-night second Test on December 7. (Photo by Michael ERREY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by MICHAEL ERREY/AFP via Getty Images)
Travis Head starred with the bat on day 2, with an impressive 140. Image: Getty

Head said the Siraj incident wasn't the first and hinted at several other instances of unchecked disrespect from the Indian side this series. “There's been conversations I’ve had. I’ll leave those conversations to the individuals around that. Like I said, I feel like the way I would like to play the game and I guess the respect shown from myself and I hope my teammates, I hold high expectations of my teammates as well and the way we conduct ourselves and the way we go about things. I can’t speak much for India but I’m going to call out certain situations,” Head said.

“I’ve had conversations with guys this series about that. I feel like you can play hard and play fair, but obviously, when you’re out, can’t do much about it. I’m disappointed with the reaction I had after that but certainly I’m going to stand up for myself I think the relationship (between the teams) is really, really good. I think that’s why I’m disappointed. I feel like the game has moved, and the way I play the game is having a good time. I want to enjoy myself. I want to play hard, play fair, and I have a joke with the fielders in the field, always interacting, and it’s been on very simple terms and enjoyable."

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After being embarrassed by 295 runs in Perth, Australia are in the box seat to level the Border-Gavaskar series after dominating the first two days of the second Test. India will start day three on Sunday on 5-128, still requiring 29 runs just to make Australia bat again.

with AAP