Adelaide: Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has refuted Australian batsman Travis Head’s claims about their on-field altercation during Day 2 of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval, calling the remarks “a lie.”
The controversy arose after Siraj bowled Head with a full delivery immediately after being hit for six. Following the dismissal, Siraj gestured towards the dressing room, prompting a reaction from Head.
Addressing the incident in the post-day press conference, Head claimed he had complimented Siraj’s delivery but felt the pacer’s celebration was unwarranted.
"I actually jokingly said 'well bowled,' then he pointed me in the sheds, and I had my reaction as well. I don't want to give it too much airtime,” said Head. “It probably (went) a little bit far, that's why I'm disappointed in the reaction I gave back, but I'm also going to stand up for myself."
However, Siraj, in a conversation with former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, categorically denied Head’s version of events.
"Whatever you saw on TV, I didn’t say anything in disrespect. It was just part of my celebration. Whatever he said in the press conference was a lie. He never said ‘well bowled.’ We respect each other, and cricket is a gentleman's game. It didn’t feel right to me,” Siraj stated.
Harbhajan, recalling his own experiences in Australia, commented that such incidents often arise in high-stakes matches.
Siraj, who has been in excellent form with four wickets in the first innings, remains confident about India’s prospects on Day 3 of the pink-ball Test, despite the team facing an uphill battle.