Siraj fined, Head reprimanded for Adelaide Test altercation

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has added one demerit point each to the disciplinary records of Mohammad Siraj and Travis Head following an altercation during the second Test between Australia and India in Adelaide. Additionally, Indian pacer Siraj has been fined 20% of his match fee, while Head has not received any financial penalty.

The incident occurred during Australia's first innings in the 82nd over, when Siraj dismissed Head and animatedly gestured towards the Australian dressing room. In response, Head verbally retorted, and on-field umpires intervened to address the situation.

At the post-match press conference, Head explained that after his dismissal, he simply told Siraj, "Well bowled." However, Siraj's exaggerated farewell gesture surprised and disappointed him. Siraj, on the other hand, denied Head’s claim, calling it "false" and accused Head of using foul language instead of offering praise.

The ICC stated that Mohammad Siraj violated Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to actions or gestures that provoke a batter after their dismissal. This provision specifically addresses any conduct that could agitate or provoke the dismissed player.

Travis Head was found guilty under Article 2.13, which deals with players making inappropriate comments towards other players, match officials, umpires, or support staff.

As both players’ offenses occurred within the past 24 months, this is their first offense under the current disciplinary code.