Mohammed Siraj’s troubles don’t seem to be ending anytime soon. The Indian fast bowler was recently involved in an altercation with Australia’s Travis Head during the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide.
During the match, he also threw the ball in anger at Australian shortstop Marnus Labuschagne, who was pulled back at the last minute due to some behind-the-screen action. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif was clearly not happy with his behavior and leveled serious allegations against Siraj.
Kaif felt that Siraj was tarnishing the image of the gentleman’s game and was setting a wrong example for upcoming cricketers. He also felt that Travis Head didn’t need to be sent off because the batter had already done the damage by this point.
Also read: Rohit Sharma’s opening slot was dropped ahead of the Gabba Test between India and Australia
Mohammad Kaif criticized the sending of Mohammed Siraj to Travis Head
Speaking in a video on his social media account, Mohammad Kaif talked about Mohammad Siraj’s argument with Travis Head. The former India batsman claimed that Siraj had a chance to get Head out earlier but he took a tough catch at mid-on.
“Mohammed Siraj had a chance (to send Travis’ head back). Travis Head was on the top edge. Siraj was standing in the middle. He ran backwards, tried with both hands but couldn’t catch,” Kaif said.
“(Ravichandran) applauded Ashwin for a gutsy effort, but I believe you make history by taking such tough catches. If you take that catch and Head comes out, it changes the game. Siraj had a chance to change the game as a fielder but it didn’t happen.” , he added.
Mohammad Kaif then pointed out that there was no need for Siraj to send Head off in such a way as the latter had already smashed a magnificent century to lead Australia. He claimed that if Siraj wanted to celebrate like this, he should have fired him earlier.
“When Travis Head smashed 140, he hit you to every nook and cranny of the ground, he hit you for a six, you put it at deep cover, long, deep cover, but he found the gap. He changed the gap with all the strokes. Around the park and he made the runs easy. he did it on a tough pitch where he wasn’t.” Kaif said.
“I understand the celebration, but I didn’t like the way he was sent off. If you know he’s a weak point, then take him out quickly. Slide him or get him out with a batter, then take your notes, but the guy scored 140… he didn’t need to be sent off like that “, he added.
Rohit form? Virat and outside off delivery? Bumrah’s Workload? Sirac Behavior?
Australia v India, BGT Report Card#CricketWithKaif11 #bgt2024 pic.twitter.com/aHFSUkTrUP
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 9, 2024
Mohammad Kaif accuses Mohammed Siraj of misconduct
Mohammad Kaif didn’t stop there and even talked about Siraj throwing the ball to Marnus Labuschagne during the Adelaide Test. Kaif accused Siraj of misbehaving and setting a wrong example.
“(Marnus) Labuschagne was batting and there was a bit of movement behind the screen. He pulled back but Sirac came and bowled the ball near the stumps. It wasn’t the right way either. He moved badly. The guys look up to you as an example. You have the image of a gentleman’s game. you wouldn’t want to compromise,” Kaif remarked.
Mohammad Siraj’s bowling figures in Adelaide
Mohammed Siraj returned with figures of 4-98 in 24.3 overs in the first innings of the Adelaide Test as he did not look his best for most of the match. The Indian bowlers suffered as Australia piled on 337 runs on a tough batting surface.
Since the start of India’s home Test season, Siraj has been going through a rough patch. Fast bowlers are an important part of India’s Test squad and even played a vital role in the team’s historic victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21.
