Chasing a daunting 340 runs in the final innings of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India faced an uphill battle after losing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli in quick succession. With the visitors in deep trouble, a resilient partnership between Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India hope, as they batted through the second session to keep the prospect of a draw alive.

The duo’s disciplined approach appeared to steady the ship, but Australia struck back when Travis Head claimed the crucial wicket of Pant. Having played a gritty knock of 30 off 104 balls, Pant attempted an uncharacteristic big shot but mistimed it, sending the ball high toward mid-on.

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Mitchell Marsh showcased his athleticism with a stunning catch, shifting the momentum back in Australia’s favour. Head’s celebration after the dismissal drew mixed reactions. He formed a circle with one hand and pointed his finger through it, a gesture some viewed as inappropriate.

While criticism poured in, Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, clarified that it was merely Head’s “put the digit on ice” celebration, unrelated to any offensive connotation. However, former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu was not convinced. Taking to social media, the outspoken commentator lambasted Head’s behaviour, calling it “obnoxious” and demanding strict punishment. Sidhu argued that the gesture disrespected India’s 1.5 billion citizens and set a poor example for viewers of all ages, including children.

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“Travis Head’s conduct during the Melbourne Test was unacceptable,” Navjot Singh Sidhu tweeted. “It tarnishes the spirit of the gentleman’s game and insults an entire nation. Such behaviour demands a stringent penalty to deter others in the future.”

Travis head’s obnoxious behaviour during the course of the Melbourne test doesn’t auger well for for the gentleman’s game…… sets the worst possible example when there are kids, women , young & old watching the game……. this caustic conduct did not insult an individual but a…

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) December 30, 2024

In the end, Australia sealed a commanding 184-run victory, bringing them closer to securing a spot in the World Test Championship final. While the result highlighted their dominance, the controversy over Head’s celebration added an extra layer of drama to an already intense match.