AUS vs IND: Mohammed Siraj responds to ICC fine after bust-up with Travis Head

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has brushed aside concerns about sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after a fiery exchange.

With Australian batter Travis Head during the second Test, maintaining a composed demeanour. The ICC penalised Siraj 20 percent of his match fee and awarded both players one demerit point each following the incident on Day 2 in Adelaide. However, the focus now shifts to the fitness of India’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the crucial third Test in Brisbane.

Both Siraj and Head were found guilty by the ICC of breaching the code of conduct, with Siraj receiving a 20 percent match fee deduction under Article 2.5, which pertains to actions or gestures that could incite aggressive reactions from a batter upon dismissal. In addition, a demerit point was added to Siraj’s record-his first in 24 months-leaving him three points away from a potential suspension. However, the Indian quick appeared unfazed by the sanctions, downplaying the penalties and shifting focus back to his preparations for the upcoming Brisbane Test.

The heated altercation, which saw Siraj giving Head an aggressive send-off, sparked debate as Head escaped a financial penalty. When asked about the fine, Siraj was nonchalant, stating, “Yeah man, it’s all good,” as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald. In response to whether the decision upset him, the bowler added, “I am going to the gym now,” brushing aside further enquiries.

The duo appeared to have moved past the on-field confrontation, sharing a friendly hug after Australia clinched a dominant 10-wicket victory to level the five-match series at 1-1. On Tuesday, Siraj and Bumrah were notably absent from India’s morning training session in Adelaide, raising concerns among fans and pundits. While the rest of India’s pace attack, including Harshit Rana, practiced at full intensity, Siraj’s absence suggested workload management, especially after a taxing Test.

Meanwhile, Bumrah’s absence fuelled speculation about his fitness, particularly after his bowling speed dipped during the second innings in Adelaide. India’s assistant coach Morne Morkel dismissed serious concerns, attributing Bumrah’s reduced pace to cramps. However, his separate session with the team’s strength and conditioning coach added to the uncertainties.

With the Brisbane Test being a must-win fixture, India’s management may be cautious in risking Bumrah. His availability could prove pivotal, given his status as one of the team’s leading bowlers. Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri, renowned for his successful tenure overseeing two historic series wins in Australia, provided an intriguing perspective on the Siraj-Head altercation.