"It's a shame that Siraj had a bit of a brain fade" - Simon Katich on pacer's fiery send-off to Travis Head in BGT 2024-25 2nd Test
Former Australian opener Simon Katich called Mohammed Siraj out for his 'brain fade' as he responded to the pacer's outburst after dismissing Travis Head on day two of the second Test in Adelaide. However, Katich observed that Siraj did feel sheepish about his behavior after getting the better of Mitchell Starc.
The fiery send-off to Head came from Siraj as the left-hander had smacked two boundaries off him. With the South Australian batting on 140, the Hyderabad-born cricketer castled him with a low full-toss as both had an altercation. The crowd at the Adelaide Oval started booing Siraj right after.
Speaking on SEN 1170 Breakfast, Katich said it was a needless gesture by Siraj, elaborating:
"It wasn't a great look. It's a shame that Siraj had a bit of a brain fade… there's no need for that in the game. He would regret that Siraj… it was all spur of the moment and when he got Mitchell Starc out not long after that he was pretty sheepish. It all happens in a split second and it's hard to control emotions sometimes when you're upset with what's just unfolded."
Although Siraj, along with Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets, Head's 141-ball 140 had amassed a 157-run lead for Australia. Later, the hosts bowled India out for 175 and scored the required 19 runs for a comfortable win.
"His innings didn’t deserve to finish that way" - Simon Katich on Travis Head
The 49-year-old reckons that the incident has full potential to carry forward in the remaining Tests of the series, adding:
"His innings didn’t deserve to finish that way. I think Travis Head reacted to the gesture and you can’t blame him for that, he was pretty upset with what was being directed his way. As soon as Travis Head got out, he basically played a match-winning knock, it should've been the opposite.
"He should've gone over to him and pat him on the back and said ‘well played’. Hopefully, it doesn't ignite the series but I dare say given the history of India v Australia in recent times… it’s going to get heated in the next few tests because the series is on the line."
The action will now move to Brisbane for the third Test, which begins on December 14.