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The aftermath of the second Test between Australia and India in Adelaide has sparked a mix of controversies and tough selection calls. Australian batter Travis Head and Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj have been found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the match. The pair were disciplined following a hearing on Monday, a day after Australia secured a dominant 10-wicket win to level the five-match series 1-1.
Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head face ICC penalties
Siraj has been fined 20% of his match fee after violating Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. This regulation addresses “using language, actions, or gestures that disparage or could provoke an aggressive response from a batter upon dismissal.”
Similarly, Head faced penalties for breaching Article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to “abuse directed at a player, support staff, umpire, or match referee during an international match.”
Both Siraj and Head were also handed one demerit point each on their disciplinary records. This marks the first offence for both players in the past 24 months. The players admitted to their respective violations and accepted the sanctions proposed by Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle, thereby avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
The incident has added an extra layer of intrigue to the heated series, with the third Test scheduled to begin in Brisbane on Saturday, December 14.
Also READ: AUS vs IND – AB de Villiers breaks silence on the Mohammed Siraj-Travis Head dispute
Ricky Ponting’s take on the change in Australia XI for Brisbane Test
Meanwhile, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has weighed in on a critical selection debate ahead of the Brisbane Test. Ponting has called for Scott Boland to make way for Josh Hazlewood, should the latter be fit to play.
Boland delivered a stellar performance in Adelaide, claiming five wickets and playing a crucial role in Australia’s dominant victory. However, Ponting believes Hazlewood’s inclusion is a necessary move for the upcoming match.
“Even though Boland has bowled brilliantly, I would still prefer Hazlewood in the playing XI for Brisbane,” Ponting told 7Cricket.
Ponting acknowledged Boland’s exceptional form but reiterated that the pacer has been one of the “unluckiest cricketers” in Test history. Boland has often found himself sidelined, unable to secure a consistent spot in the team due to the presence of Australia’s star pacers – Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins.
As the series moves to Brisbane, Australia faces the challenge of finalizing their playing XI while maintaining the momentum from their Adelaide triumph. For India, the disciplinary action against Siraj could add pressure, though the team will focus on bouncing back after their disappointing loss.
Also WATCH: Travis Head drops ‘F’ bomb after receiving a fiery send off from Mohammed Siraj on Day 2 of Pink Ball Test | AUS vs IND
