“I actually got worried for Siraj” - Ricky Ponting on India fast bowler’s heated exchange with Travis Head in BGT 2024-25 2nd Test
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has provided his take on the verbal spat between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head during the second Test in Adelaide. Ponting suggested that he knew Siraj was in trouble as umpires and match referees don't like send-offs.
With Head smacking Siraj for two boundaries in the over, the right-arm speedster was fired up after castling the left-handed batter. As a result, he gave Head a heated send-off, pointing to the dugout. Both players copped demerit points from the ICC for their on-field altercation.
On a recent episode of the ICC Review, here's what the Tasmanian had to say about the controversial incident:
"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."
After play on Day 2, Head claimed that all he told Siraj was 'well bowled'; however, the Hyderabad-born cricketer disagreed. He accused the South Australian of lying and that the southpaw had abused him verbally. Nevertheless, both players were seen having a relatively cordial chat on Day 3.
"I think it was accidental the way that whole thing played out" - Ricky Ponting
Ponting also suggested that the whole episode seemed to be a case of misunderstanding. However, he doesn't expect visiting captain Rohit Sharma to tell Siraj to tone down his aggression moving 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).
Australia claimed a series-leveling win in Adelaide and the two sides will now move to Brisbane for the third Test starting on December 14.