Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head have been handed sanctions of varying degrees for breaching the ICC’s Code of Conduct during their heated altercation during the recently concluded day-night Test between India and Australia in Adelaide.
The incident occurred during the 82nd over of Australia’s first innings. After being hit for a four and a six, Siraj knocked over Head’s stumps with an inswinging yorker. Head had already made a blazing 140 by then, giving Australia a decisive lead and Siraj gave him a fiery send-off. Then a mouthful of words followed from both.
Siraj was at the receiving end of a hostile Adelaide crowd, which booed him for the rest of the match.
While Siraj was found guilty of breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct for Players And Player Support Personnel, which deals with “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal," Head violated Article 2.13, relating to the "abuse of a player, player support personnel, umpire or match referee during an international match."
Siraj was fined 20 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point on his disciplinary record. Head was not fined, but similarly received one demerit point. This is the first demerit point in the last 24 months, for both players.
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The altercation led to Siraj taking much of the flak, with former Australia captain Mark Taylor criticising the fast bowler for "disrespecting the game and the umpire". Later that day, Head clarified that he had jokingly said "well bowled" to Siraj, saying the pacer went "a little bit far".
Siraj, however, countered Head’s claims before day three, accusing him of "abuse". By day three the tensions eased up as Head, standing at short leg, could be heard saying the events that transpired were "nothing personal" when Siraj came out to bat in the second innings.
In pursuit of recovering from a 157-run first-innings deficit, India were bowled out for 175. The hosts chased down 19 to win by 10 wickets. With the five-match series tied 1-1, the third Test will begin on December 14 in Brisbane.
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