Sat Dec 07 23:57:32 UTC 2024: ## India’s Siraj Faces Backlash After Fiery Send-Off to Aussie Star Head
**Adelaide, Australia** – India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj found himself at the center of controversy after a heated exchange with Australian batsman Travis Head during the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide. Siraj, celebrating Head’s dismissal after a 140-run knock, gave the Australian a fiery send-off, sparking boos from the home crowd.
While Head’s impressive innings helped Australia to a commanding first-innings lead of 157 runs (337 to 180), Siraj’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, defended the pacer’s aggressive style. Morkel attributed the incident to the intensity of the match and the players’ competitive spirit, suggesting any animosity would quickly dissipate. “In a big series, you’ll have these moments,” Morkel stated. “They play hard, but I’m sure they’ll be mates after the day’s play.”
Despite Morkel’s defense, Siraj’s actions drew criticism, including from former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar. The incident overshadowed a solid Australian performance, fueled by Head’s 140 runs off 141 balls and Labuschagne’s 64. Morkel also acknowledged that India’s bowling could have been tighter, particularly on Friday.
India ended Day 2 in a precarious position, trailing by 29 runs at 128/5, with Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy set to resume the innings on Day 3. The match remains keenly contested, with Australia holding a significant advantage.
First Piper 