BGT 2024-25: Clarke labels Siraj as the series villain for his wicket celebrations
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New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) Former Australian captain Michael Clarke criticized Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, advocating for a fine due to his practice of celebrating wickets without appealing to the umpires for lbw dismissals. He expressed his surprise at the ICC not taking action against him.
Siraj has been a topic of discussion following an incident with Travis Head after dismissing him for 140 runs in Adelaide. Clarke referred to a moment when Siraj performed a 'celebrappeal' for an lbw against Marnus Labuschagne without consulting the umpire, which replays later showed involved a significant inside edge.
"Siraj should be fined for his continuous appeals for LBWs without seeking the umpire's judgment. He strikes the batter on the pads and runs off like they’re dismissed. I’m surprised the ICC hasn’t penalized him because I recall being fined every time for similar actions during my playing days," stated Clarke.
He added, "Brett Lee was notorious for this behavior, and he was warned, 'If you don’t ask the umpire, you’ll be fined.' I’m more concerned about Siraj’s actions than his interaction with Travis Head. He repeated this in the first Test as well."
According to Clarke, "While you can appeal for anything, it's essential to show respect by asking the umpire. I find it surprising that he hasn’t faced any fines. His send-off to Travis Head was also disrespectful; it's not wise to give a send-off to someone who scored 140 runs."
Former Australian fast bowler Stuart Clark supported Clarke’s sentiments, asserting that Siraj’s actions are more significant than his verbal exchange with Head. "This behavior is much worse than the incident with Head. The umpires and the rules clearly state that players must show respect by asking the umpire for decisions. It looked unprofessional when he charged down the pitch claiming a wicket without confirming it first. If I were a match referee, I’d be inclined to intervene and stop this as it improperly pressures the umpire," said Clark.
Clarke mentioned that various Australian media reports suggest that both Head and Siraj might face sanctions from the ICC for violating the code of conduct. He stated he didn't have major concerns about the altercation, but he believes it has painted Siraj as a villain in the eyes of the Australian audience for the remainder of the series.
Following the incident with Head, Siraj faced significant booing from the crowd at the Adelaide Oval whenever he came to bowl or bat in the pink-ball Test. "I hope they get a mild reprimand. They will likely receive a small fine, which they will pay without much concern, and then I hope it moves on," he said.
"It didn’t look good, but there was confusion regarding what was communicated. Mohammed Siraj had one interpretation while Travis Head had another. To be fair, it added an element of drama to the day’s events. Every series requires a villain – and Mohammed Siraj has stepped into that role, which I believe will intensify the competition in Brisbane. When he bats or bowls, it will spark intense reactions, hopefully in a spirited manner. I would be disappointed if they were penalized out of the game, as that would disappoint many fans," concluded Clarke.
