“He should know better at this level” - Mitchell Johnson on Mohammed Siraj’s controversies from BGT 2024-25 2nd Test
Former Australia quick Mitchell Johnson recently gave his opinion on Mohammed Siraj's 'celebrappeal', saying the India speedster needed to show respect to the umpires. Although Johnson felt it was not intentional from Siraj, he underlined the need for better conduct.
Siraj's pre-mature celebrations during the first two Tests of the ongoing five-game series drew criticism from some former Aussie cricketers. He also came under the spotlight for his fiery send-off to Travis Head after dismissing him for 140 in the Adelaide Test.
In his column for The Nightly, Johnson wrote:
"The other issue involving Siraj in the second Test is his “celebrappeal” when he didn’t turn to appeal. Out of respect to the umpires, you should always turn and appeal to them, even if you think it’s clearly out. I don’t think Siraj did it intentionally, but he should know better at this level."
He felt it would be interesting to see if Siraj could block out the outside noise and lead the visitors' attack if Jasprit Bumrah didn't play in the upcoming Brisbane Test.
"It will be interesting to see how Siraj responds to the extra attention and if it will help or hinder his performance. He seems to be one of those bowlers who crosses the boundary line and that fire in the belly ignites in him. Time will tell and Siraj will have a huge role to play leading the Indian attack if Jasprit Bumrah misses the third Test with injury."
Siraj's fiery send-off to Head resulted in the ICC giving him a demerit point, followed by a 20% fine of his match fee. Head also received a demerit point for breaching Article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to the “abuse of a player, player support personnel, umpire or match referee during an international match."
"I don’t think I ever pointed someone back to the pavilion" - Mitchell Johnson
Reflecting on the send-off by Siraj, Johnson reckoned things could happen in the heat of the moment and that such instances were not premeditated. He added:
"While I do recall giving batsmen verbal send-offs, I don’t think I ever pointed someone back to the pavilion. In the moment of getting a wicket, the adrenalin is going, and you could be in a period of the game when a batsman is all over you and that pleasure when you get them out gets the better of you. We are not robots and cricketers are human. Sometimes these things just happen. It isn’t a pre-prepared thing bowlers do."
The 43-year-old also hopes that the demerit point to Siraj and Head doesn't overpower the on-field action, writing:
"The clash was the moment we had all been waiting for and the crowd enjoyed it, quite clearly. Like I always say, you play to win on skill but the fight, competitiveness, confident body language and yes, even a few verbal exchanges, are all what makes the game that little bit more exciting. I hope the disciplinary action taken against Siraj and Head doesn’t change the way the series is being played because I find it entertaining to watch when both teams are on the front foot."
With the series standing at 1-1, India and Australia will now resume their rivalry at the Gabba, starting December 14.