Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting shared his thoughts on the verbal confrontation between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head during the second Test in Adelaide. Ponting mentioned that he could tell Siraj was in trouble, as umpires and match referees typically disapprove of send-offs.
After Head hit two boundaries off Siraj in the over, the fast bowler became fired up when he dismissed the left-handed batter. In response, Siraj gave Head a fiery send-off, gesturing towards the dugout. Both players received demerit points from the ICC for their on-field clash.
On a recent episode of the ICC Review, Ponting shared his perspective on the controversial incident. He stated:
“Look, it wasn’t that big a deal. I was in comms (commentary box) at the time. As soon as I saw the send-off, I actually got worried for Siraj. I know how the umpires react to those things. Umpires and referees don’t like seeing the send-off, pointed in the direction of the dressing room.”
Following Day 2’s play, Head insisted that he had simply told Siraj “well bowled,” but Siraj disagreed, accusing the South Australian of lying and verbally abusing him. Despite the clash, the two players were seen engaging in a relatively amicable conversation on Day 3.
“I believe the way everything unfolded was accidental”- Ricky Pointing
Ponting also implied that the entire incident appeared to be a misunderstanding. However, he doesn’t anticipate that visiting captain Rohit Sharma will ask Siraj to reduce his aggression going forward.
“Looking back at it now, I think it was accidental the way that whole thing played out. I don’t think there was any malice meant at the start. I know Travis has gone and said that he said ‘well bowled’ at the start. Siraj obviously wasn’t happy about being hit over the deep backward square for six the ball before.”
“Rohit (Sharma) I’m sure would expect these fast bowlers to react like that. When they’re under the pressure and they’re getting hit and then they’ve just got a wicket you’d expect that they’d be up and about,” the 49-year-old said (as per the aforementioned source).
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