India pacer Mohammed Siraj has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his fiery send-off to Australia batter Travis Head during Day 2 of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. A viral video captured Siraj and Head engaging in a verbal spat after the Indian pacer bowled the Australian batter. While Head shared his perspective on the incident during a post-day press conference, Siraj provided his version of events before play resumed on Day 3.

Travis Head, in his press conference, suggested that Siraj’s send-off was unnecessary, claiming he had complimented the bowler by saying “well bowled.”

However, MOhammed Siraj refuted this claim, calling Head’s statement a fabrication. In a conversation with former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, Siraj clarified: “I was enjoying the challenge of bowling to him because he was batting really well. It’s frustrating when a batter hits you for a six on a good ball, but it also motivated me. When I dismissed him, I celebrated, but I didn’t say anything to him. Then he abused me.”

ALSO READ: Ravi Shastri Calls For Mohammed Shami’s Return To Ease Pressure On Bumrah Ahead Of Australia Tour

He added, “You can check the footage; I didn’t provoke him. In his press conference, he lied. There was no ‘well bowled.’ I respect every player because cricket is a gentleman’s game, but his actions were not right, and it didn’t feel good.”

Harbhajan Singh, sharing his own experiences from playing in Australia, empathized with Siraj and acknowledged that such fiery exchanges are not uncommon in the intense environment of international cricket.

INTERVIEW OF MOHAMMED SIRAJ…!!!!

– Siraj confirms “Travis Head didn’t say well bowled”. pic.twitter.com/CXrRdDuLcX

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 8, 2024

Mohammed Siraj had bowled Head with a perfectly pitched full delivery, dismissing him immediately after being hit for a six. His animated gesture towards the Australian dressing room added fuel to the fire. In response, Head turned and reacted emotionally. Reflecting on the incident, Head later admitted things had escalated unnecessarily.

ALSO READ: Simon Katich Criticizes Pat Cummins Over Slow Over Rate In Adelaide Test

“I jokingly said ‘well bowled,’ and then he pointed towards the sheds, prompting my reaction. It probably went too far, and I regret my response. I prefer to play the game differently and expect the same from my teammates. If I see behavior like that, I call it out, which I did,” Travis Head remarked.

As the series heats up, Siraj’s contributions remain vital. Having taken four wickets in Australia’s first innings, he may also need to lend a hand with the bat as India faces a daunting task on Day 3 of the pink-ball Test.