India pacer Mohammed Siraj opened up about his fierce battle with Travis Head on Day 2 of the 2nd Test at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Siraj claimed that Head was lying when the Australian asserted that all he said was “well-bowled” to the bowler. Siraj insisted that the Indian team respects every player, and he did not engage in an aggressive celebration in the first place. The pacer said that it was Head who abused him and that triggered him to give an aggressive send-off.
“I was enjoying bowling to him. It was a good battle because he batted really well. When a batter hits you for a six on a good ball, it feels bad. That gave me an energy. After bowling him out, I celebrated. Then he abused me. You can see on TV as well. In the start, it was my celebration. I didn’t say anything to him. In the press conference, he said wrong thing. He lied. Noway he said well-bowled. We respect everyone. I always respect everyone because cricket is a gentleman’s game. Travis Head’s actions were wrong. I did not feel good,” Siraj told Star Sports before start of Day 2 proceedings.
Speaking to the broadcasters after the day 2’s play, Head said he told Siraj that he had bowled well, and the Indian pacer misinterpreted it. The Asutralia batter said he was slightly disappointed with how things transpired. Head concluded by saying that if the Indian team wants to act in such a fashion, then so be it.
However, Siraj gave his side of the story and discarded Head’s remarks.
Watch Siraj’s revelation
Stunning revelation! @mdsirajofficial breaks his silence on his verbal clash with #TravisHead during Day 2 of the pink-ball Test! 😳
Can India make comeback?
Siraj also showcased confidence in the Indian team and their ability to make a comeback and win games from any position.
“The Indian team knows how to make a comeback really well. We never give up. Whenever we fall, we keep the strength to get back up. We are always positive that we can score runs from any position and even win the contest. We will take the field with a positive mindset and whatever God has planned for us, we will get that,” he added.
Travis Head vs Mohammed Siraj
The Indian team were put on the back foot with a scintillating knock of 140 runs from 141 balls by Travis Head. However, the Australian was knocked over by Siraj after being hit for a six a delivery earlier. It was Siraj who had the last laugh and gave an animated send-off to the centurion. Head did not like the animated bowler’s actions as he swore back at Siraj, leading to a heated moment on the field.