Following Australia’s triumph over India at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, skipper Pat Cummins commented on the verbal dispute between left-hand batsman Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj during the day-night (pink-ball) Test match. Adding drama and intensity to the closely contested Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Siraj violently sent out Head after cleaning him up after a counter-attacking century that seriously reduced Indian bowlers and the team’s hopes of victory. As Siraj angrily pointed to the Aussie, indicating that it was time for him to return to the pavilion, Head reciprocated with a few words. After Head’s ejection, the Australian crowd booed Siraj loudly.
“To be honest, they (India) may do anything they want. I’m more concerned about our lads, but as usual, I think their behavior was fantastic this week, as it continues every week. Travis Head is the team’s vice-captain. “He’s a big boy, he can talk for himself,” Cummins remarked in the post-match news conference, as reported by cricket.com.au.
Rohit previously defended Mohammed Siraj’s on-field violence against Travis Head, describing it as a motivator while emphasizing the need to respect the game’s spirit. Siraj was chastised for his antics following the dismissal of the left-hand hitter, who was bowled by a ripper from the pacemaker, ending his 140-run effort.
“There’s a fine line between aggressiveness and going too far. As captain, I must guarantee that we do not cross the line. “A few words here and there don’t make a big difference,” the Mumbai-born batsman stated.
“He [Siraj] enjoys getting into conflict. It brings him success. As captain, it is my responsibility to back that aggression. There is a tight line–we don’t want to do anything that disrespects the game. Many cricketers have thrived in such situations in the past, and Siraj is undoubtedly one of them,” the skipper continued.
The series is now knotted at 1-1, and the two teams will travel to Brisbane for the third Test, which begins on Saturday, December 14.