IND vs AUS: ‘It’s good that both of them talked otherwise umpire-referee’ Ponting said on Siraj-Travis controversy

IND vs AUS: Tensions Rise in the Ongoing Series India and Australia are currently playing a five-match series. India won the first match held in Perth, but Australia bounced back in the second match in Adelaide, winning by 10 wickets. However, this match gained attention for another reason: a heated exchange between Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and Australian batsman Travis Head. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has also commented on this incident. In the first innings of the Adelaide Test, Travis Head scored a brilliant century, being the only batsman unaffected by any Indian bowler. In the 82nd over, Siraj bowled a fantastic yorker that clean bowled Head. After this, Siraj gestured for Head to head back to the pavilion, which prompted Head to respond with some choice words. Ponting remarked that this incident seemed to happen casually, and neither player had any malicious intent. Following the incident, both players were penalized by the ICC. Siraj received a 20% fine on his match fee along with a demerit point, while Travis Head was given a stern warning and a demerit point as well. Later that evening, Head mentioned in a press conference that he had complimented Siraj’s bowling by saying “well bowled,” but Siraj claimed the next morning in a conversation with **Harbhajan** that Head was lying and had actually cursed at him. Excitement When Taking Wickets Ricky Ponting recently spoke to the ICC Review, reflecting on the incident and suggesting that it seemed to happen suddenly. He believes there was no initial malice involved. Ponting noted, “I know Travis said he initially said ‘well bowled.’ But Siraj wasn’t happy about being hit for a six on the previous ball. I understand that Rohit expects fast bowlers to react this way when they’re under pressure and then take a wicket; you expect them to play with enthusiasm.” Good to See Them Make Up Ponting stated that the incident wasn’t a big deal, but umpires tend to be strict with bowlers who send off batsmen in such a manner. He mentioned that he knows how umpires and referees react to these situations and that they don’t like to see players gesturing towards the dressing room. However, on the final day of the match, when Siraj came out to bat, Travis Head, fielding at forward short leg, spoke to him. It seemed like they had resolved their differences. After the match, both players were seen hugging, and Ponting praised them, expressing his happiness that they managed to settle the matter quickly.