Mohammed Siraj reportedly targetted by Australian fans at The Gabba; Sunil Gavaskar defends pacer, slams 'saints'

The Australian crowd has continued to target Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj after his on-field spat with home team batter Travis Head in the second Test at Adelaide Oval, As per reports, Siraj was booed by the Australian fans when he came to bowl on Day 1 of the ongoing third India-Australia Test at The Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday (14 December).

It was in Adelaide last week that the Australian crowd started to rile up Siraj after the Indian pacer stood his ground and gave a send-off to centurion Travis Head. After his dismissal, Head was seen exchanging a few words with Siraj before the fast bowler gestured him to leave the field of play.

Head vs Siraj battle

Head later claimed that he was just trying to appreciate Siraj’s bowling but the 30-year-old Indian has accused the Australian of lying. “It’s a lie that he said ‘well bowled’ to me. You can see what he actually said on TV. Initially, I only celebrated but he was the one who started the conversation. In the press conference, he lied that he said ‘well bowled.’ You can go and check the highlights again," Siraj said on Star Sports.

“We don’t disrespect anyone. I respect every cricketer. Cricket is a gentleman’s game but the way acted after getting out was uncalled for,” Siraj added.

The ICC, however, decided to punish Siraj with a fine of 20% of his match fee while Head was only cautioned.

The Australian crowd also it seems has not forgotten the episode and they continue to boo Siraj at The Gabba in Brisbane.

Gavaskar defends Siraj

Indian legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, meanwhile, has lambasted Australian cricket experts who have been constantly criticising Siraj for his actions. Gavaskar reminded former Australian cricketers about their antics.

“Siraj is getting the stick from all the “saints” in Australian cricket who, of course, were known for their impeccable behaviour on the field. It may have incensed Australian fans that Siraj’s fiery send-off was directed at Head, who scored a magnificent century and was also the local boy,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for the Sydney Morning Herald.

“But the same people will cheer if an Aussie quick gives a similar send-off to an English batter during next summer’s Ashes. There were some suggestions in the media that the Australians should get back to being the mongrels they once were. So, do mongrels simply purr, or do they bark, too,” Gavaskar added.

Meanwhile, only 13.2 overs have been bowled so far on Day 1 of The Gabba Test as play has been stopped due to rain . India won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Team India has made two changes for the match with Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep being picked over R Ashwin and Harshit Rana.