Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the Australian crowd for booing Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The five-match series between India and Australia has been filled with drama, with emotions reaching a boiling point during the second Test in Adelaide. Siraj’s fiery send-off to Travis Head after dismissing him in the first innings sparked controversy, leading to a fine and criticism from the crowd.
The Adelaide Flashpoint
Travis Head’s scintillating knock of 140 in Adelaide became a key talking point, but it was Siraj’s dismissal of the Australian batter and the subsequent heated exchange that stole the spotlight. After being flicked for a six on the previous delivery, Siraj uprooted Head’s stumps, delivering a fiery send-off that did not sit well with the Adelaide crowd. The Indian pacer was fined 20% of his match fee, while both players were handed demerit points.
Reflecting on the incident, Gavaskar explained Siraj’s reaction as a natural response to the pressure bowlers often face. “Fast bowlers are inherently aggressive, and when the red mist takes over, self-control can become difficult,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for the Sydney Morning Herald. He noted that Siraj’s emotions were amplified by Head’s explosive batting, which had frustrated the Indian bowlers.
Gavaskar Slams Crowd’s Double Standards
Gavaskar did not hold back in criticizing the Australian fans for their hostile reception of Siraj, which continued into the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. He pointed out the hypocrisy of Australian supporters who cheer similar behavior from their own players.
“Siraj is being criticized by the so-called ‘saints’ of Australian cricket, who themselves have a history of questionable behavior on the field. The same fans who booed Siraj would likely applaud an Australian bowler for giving a send-off to an English batter during the Ashes,” Gavaskar remarked.
He also referenced recent media suggestions that Australia should return to their aggressive, “mongrel” style of cricket, questioning whether such aggression should come without backlash.
The IPL’s Influence on Rivalries
Gavaskar expressed surprise at Siraj’s emotional outburst, noting that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has largely diminished animosity between players from different countries. The lucrative tournament has fostered camaraderie among international players, making heated on-field altercations less common.
However, Gavaskar emphasized that while cricket remains a hard-fought contest, overtly ugly behavior has largely disappeared from the game. “The intensity and pride of representing one’s country are still very much alive, but the game has moved away from the uncouth and ugly behavior of the past. The bat and ball now do most of the talking, as it should be,” he wrote.
Cricket’s Intensity Remains Unchanged
Gavaskar concluded by reiterating that cricket, despite being a tough sport, should be played with respect. “It may no longer be a gentleman’s game, but it is still a hard game played by hard men with a hard ball. And hard men do swear when things get tough,” he stated, defending Siraj’s aggression as part of the game.
With the series level at 1-1, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has already delivered thrilling moments, and Gavaskar’s comments add further depth to the ongoing rivalry between the two cricketing giants.
