Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head. (AFP Photo)
NEW DELHI: Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has slammed Mohammed Siraj for his heated send-off to Australia’s
Travis Head
during the second Test in Adelaide. After dismissing Head, Siraj’s fiery gesture drew attention, but Srikkanth emphasised that performance should speak louder than aggression.
Head’s remarkable performance of 140 runs from 141 deliveries against the pink ball proved decisive in the match outcome as Australia won the day-night Test by 10 wickets to level the five-match series 1-1.
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He unleashed a powerful batting display, smashing 17 fours and four sixes, which severely impacted India’s position in the match. His remarkable innings enabled Australia to establish a commanding first-innings lead of 157 runs.
“He has smashed the bowling mercilessly. Hey Siraj, don’t you have brains? What are you doing? Have you gone mad? He smashed you left, right and centre. He hit boundaries and sixes effortlessly in his knock of 140. You’re giving him a send-off after that. Is this called
Sledging
? What rubbish is this? It’s just madness,” Srikkanth said while speaking on his Youtube channel.
Former Indian cricketer Srikkanth expressed his disapproval of Siraj’s behaviour, suggesting that the bowler ought to have shown appreciation for Head’s outstanding century rather than engaging in a confrontation with the Australian batter.
“One batter has scored 140. Give him credit, and applaud his knock. Instead of saying ‘brilliant knock’, you’re giving him a send-off? As if, you got him out on 10 or 0, as if you planned it and got his wicket! He smashed you all over. The Indian bowlers had no answers to Head’s onslaught. 140 off 141 balls. Look at that. He hit sixes at will. He didn’t treat Ashwin as a spinner, he is dancing down the track and smashing him,” Srikkanth added.
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The incident started when Siraj delivered a fierce send-off to Head following his dismissal at 140 runs. Although Head had struck Siraj for a six in the previous ball, the bowler retaliated with a precise yorker that struck the stumps.
The aftermath witnessed verbal exchanges between Siraj and Head. The local Adelaide spectators, supporting their hometown player, consistently jeered at Siraj following the confrontation.
Head later claimed that Siraj had misinterpreted a compliment, while the Indian pacer countered by stating that Head was not being truthful. Nevertheless, the situation concluded amicably as Siraj and Head embraced after the end of the Test.
