"Worried for Siraj": Ricky Ponting shares his thoughts on the Siraj-Head incident

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting shared his thoughts on the heated exchange between Australia batter Travis Head and India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj in Adelaide. The incident that unfolded of Day 2 of the second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy has been a talking point for days now. While an on-field spat is not entirely uncommon in the sport, the debacle extended beyond the field as Head and Siraj recounted different versions of the happening following the game's conclusion. Nevertheless, both the Aussie and the Indian seamer faced the wrath of ICC as the council handed them one demerit point each. Moreover, Siraj who sent off Head was also fined 20% of his match fees by the board.

Ricky Ponting expresses concern for Mohammed Siraj over the spat with Travis Head

Following the on-field stand-off between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head in the Adelaide Test, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has expressed his two cents on the incident. Ponting admitted to feeling concerned for Siraj after the pacer gave Head a fiery send-off upon dismissing him. Ponting, in the commentary panel at the time, highlighted his awareness of how match officials typically respond to such actions. As expected, Siraj faced a penalty, losing 20 percent of his match fee, amounting to approximately Rs 9 lakh. Additionally, both Siraj and Head received one demerit point for their behavior.

"I was in the commentary box at the time. As soon as I saw the send-off, I actually got worried for Siraj. I know how the umpires react to those things. Umpires and referees don't like seeing the send-off, pointed in the direction of the dressing room," said Ponting.

Unlike most of the Australian fraternity firing shots at the Indian seamer, Ponting offered a relatively contrasting view. The former batter noted that none of the players involved had any malice hidden behind their conduct at the Adelaide Oval. Ponting is of the stance that the misinterpretation of the event played out in a way that fanned the issue beyond expectations.

"Looking back at it now, I think it was accidental the way that whole thing played out. I don't think there was any malice meant at the start," Ponting further added. "Then the way it started and almost like the misinterpretation of what had actually gone on, I think led to how it ended," he said.

Despite the incident, the two players seem to have moved on, with Siraj commenting for the first time on the fine, saying, "it's all good." The rivalry between India and Australia is set to continue on December 14 when the third Test kicks off in Brisbane at the iconic Gabba. This ground holds special significance for India, as it was the site of their historic victory in the last Border Gavaskar Trophy, which sealed a 2-1 series triumph.