Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson recently opined on Mohammed Siraj’s ‘celebrappeal’, stating the India speedster needed to respect the umpires. Although Johnson felt it was not Siraj’s intention, he added the need for better conduct as well. Siraj’s pre-mature celebrations during the first two Tests made headlines from some former Aussie cricketers too. He also came under the spotlight for his fiery send-off to Travis Head after dismissing him for 140 in the Adelaide Test as well.

In his column for The Nightly, Johnson wrote: “The other issue involving Siraj in the second Test is his “celebrappeal” when he didn’t turn to appeal. Out of respect to the umpires, you should always turn and appeal to them, even if you think it’s clearly out. I don’t think Siraj did it intentionally, but he should know better at this level.”

ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya shares happiness after winning back the love of fans

“It will be interesting to see how Siraj responds to the extra attention and if it will help or hinder his performance. He seems to be one of those bowlers who crosses the boundary line and that fire in the belly ignites in him. Time will tell and Siraj will have a huge role to play leading the Indian attack if Jasprit Bumrah misses the third Test with injury,” he again added.

While reflecting on the send-off by Siraj, Johnson also said things could happen in the heat of the moment and that such instances were not premeditated as well.

He added: “While I do recall giving batsmen verbal send-offs, I don’t think I ever pointed someone back to the pavilion. In the moment of getting a wicket, the adrenalin is going, and you could be in a period of the game when a batsman is all over you and that pleasure when you get them out gets the better of you. We are not robots and cricketers are human. Sometimes these things just happen. It isn’t a pre-prepared thing bowlers do.”

ALSO READ: “Shubman’s captaincy is very good” – Ravi Bishnoi on Shubman Gill

“The clash was the moment we had all been waiting for and the crowd enjoyed it, quite clearly. Like I always say, you play to win on skill but the fight, competitiveness, confident body language and yes, even a few verbal exchanges, are all what makes the game that little bit more exciting. I hope the disciplinary action taken against Siraj and Head doesn’t change the way the series is being played because I find it entertaining to watch when both teams are on the front foot,” Mitchell Johnson concluded.