Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has shared his views on the verbal spat between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head during the second Test in Adelaide. Ponting stated that he knew Siraj was in trouble as umpires and match referees don’t like send-offs. With Head smashing Siraj for two boundaries in the over, the right-arm pacer was fired up after castling the left-handed batter. As a result, he gave Head a heated send-off. After that, both players copped demerit points from the ICC for their on-field altercation as well.

On a recent episode of the ICC Review, he said, “Look, it wasn’t that big a deal. I was in comms (commentary box) at the time. As soon as I saw the send-off, I actually got worried for Siraj. I know how the umpires react to those things. Umpires and referees don’t like seeing the send-off, pointed in the direction of the dressing room.”

After play on Day 2, Head also claimed that all he told Siraj was ‘well bowled’; however, the Siraj disagreed. He accused the batter of lying and that the veteran had abused him verbally as well. Nevertheless, both players were seen having a cordial chat on Day 3. Ponting also stated that the whole episode seemed to be a case of misunderstanding as well.

“Looking back at it now, I think it was accidental the way that whole thing played out. I don’t think there was any malice meant at the start. I know Travis has gone and said that he said ‘well bowled’ at the start. Siraj obviously wasn’t happy about being hit over the deep backward square for six the ball before. Rohit (Sharma) I’m sure would expect these fast bowlers to react like that. When they’re under the pressure and they’re getting hit and then they’ve just got a wicket you’d expect that they’d be up and about,” the 49-year-old said (as per the aforementioned source),” he concluded.