Mon Dec 30 15:43:14 UTC 2024: ## Aussie Cricketer’s Controversial Celebration Sparks Debate After Test Victory

**Sydney, Australia** – Australia secured a resounding 184-run victory over India in the fourth Test on Monday, extending their series lead to 2-1. However, the match wasn’t without controversy, as Australian all-rounder Travis Head’s wicket celebration sparked a social media firestorm.

Head, who dismissed Indian star Rishabh Pant, celebrated by making a gesture interpreted by some as obscene. The action, involving a fist and a circular hand shape, prompted outrage online with accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct.

However, Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw clarified the gesture, revealing it was a reference to a previous match in Sri Lanka where Head had famously said he needed to “put his finger on ice” after a successful bowling spell. Australian captain Pat Cummins corroborated this explanation, stating the gesture was an inside joke referencing Head’s need to cool down his fingers after intense bowling.

Despite the controversy, Australia dominated the match. India’s top-order batsmen, Rohit Sharma (9) and Virat Kohli (5), underperformed, contributing to their team’s collapse in the final session. They were bowled out for 155, chasing a challenging 340. Australia’s bowlers delivered stellar performances, with Pat Cummins (3/28), Scott Boland (3/39), and Nathan Lyon (2/37) leading the charge. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) offered significant resistance for India.

India’s defeat leaves their hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Test Championship final hanging by a thread. Unless they can win the final Test in Sydney, their dream could slip away. Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment with his team’s performance, acknowledging their failure to capitalize on opportunities.

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