“Travis Head Lied”: Mohammed Siraj Breaks Silence On Ship-Off Controversy

India pacer Mohammed Siraj broke silence on the controversy that erupted after he gave a fiery send-off to Australia batter Travis Head on Day 2 of the second Test on the Adelaide Oval. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Siraj and Head have been noticed partaking in a verbal duel after the Australian batter was bowled by the India pacer on Saturday. Head had the chance to share his views on the controversy within the post-day press convention. Siraj then broke his silence on the matter forward of the beginning of the play on Day 3.

In the press convention on the finish of Day 2, Head recommended that Siraj’s send-off was somewhat uncalled for as he was praising the India pacer’s supply. However, Siraj has termed Head’s assertion an entire lie.

In a chat with India’s former spinner Harbhajan Singh, Siraj stated: “I enjoyed bowling a lot here. They were batting really well and when they hit the good balls for boundaries, you can’t help. Whatever you saw on TV, I didn’t say anything in disrespect. It was just part of my celebration (Talking about the celebration after Head’s wicket). 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 (talking about the stuff that Head spoke about Siraj’s celebration in PC). We know how to make a comeback, we are staying positive always and try our best to rise to the occasion.”

INTERVIEW OF MOHAMMED SIRAJ…!!!!

– Siraj confirms “Travis Head didn’t say well bowled”. pic.twitter.com/CXrRdDuLcX

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 8, 2024

Harbhajan additionally shared his personal experiences of enjoying in Australia, saying he has additionally been on the heart of such controversies.

Siraj had bowled Head with a full supply instantly after being hit for six, knocking him off, and gestured in direction of the dressing room. Head, in flip, spun round and gave his response. Later, although, the Australian batter admitted that issues went somewhat too far.

“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. I feel like the way I play the game I would like a better reaction. I was surprised at the reaction in terms of the situation of the game and the lead up. There was no confrontation leading up to it,” he stated.

“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. Like to think in our team we wouldn’t do that. [It’s] not the way I’d like to play the game and feel like my team-mates are the same. If I see that, I probably call it out, which I did,” he added.

After choosing up 4 wickets within the first innings, Siraj may need to assist India somewhat with the bat too because the staff faces an inconceivable process in opposition to Australia on Day 3 of the day-night Test.