English Legend Criticizes ICC’s Hefty Fine to Mohammed Siraj after ‘Fired Up’ Moment

Mohammed Siraj also batted until the end in the final innings of the Lord's Test, but ultimately lost his wicket in the 75th over to Shoaib Bashir.

English Legend Criticizes ICC’s Hefty Fine to Mohammed Siraj after ‘Fired Up’ Moment

Nasser Hussain slammed the ICC for fining Mohammed Siraj for his send-off for Ben Duckett. (via First Post)

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Former England captain-turned cricket commentator Nasser Hussain slammed the ICC, for slapping a hefty fine on Mohammed Siraj for a ‘fired up’ moment on Day 4 of the third Test, at Lord’s. Siraj was penalized for an aggressive send-off that he gave to English opener Ben Duckett.

The third Test match between India and England at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London was an intense affair, reminding fans of the past matches between the two rivals at the venue. It was characterized by aggressive sledging from both sides, combined with continued concerns regarding the Dukes ball that was being used. England did emerge triumphant at the end, winning by a narrow margin of 22 runs.

One of the on-field clashes involved Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and English opener Ben Duckett, on Day 4. After dismissing Duckett for a mere 12 runs, caught at mid-on by Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj gave a fiery send-off to the opener. The 31-year-old bowler emphatically shouted in Duckett’s face as the batter walked off, followed a minor shoulder bump before the umpire intervened to de-escalate the situation, much to the displeasure of the home crowd at Lord’s.

Mohammed Siraj’s act immediately came under the ICC’s radar after the end of the fourth day’s play at Lord’s. He was subsequently found guilty of violating Article 2.5 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, resulting in a 15 percent fine of his match fee and one demerit point for using language, actions, or gestures to provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal.

However, many former players and cricket experts have found nothing wrong with Siraj’s reaction after scalping Ben Duckett’s wicket, including Nasser Hussain. The ex-England skipper argued that Siraj was simply ‘fired up’ and that his celebration wasn’t aggressive enough to warrant an ICC penalty. Hussain also dismissed the idea that the shoulder contact with Duckett was intentional, and justified it as a display of emotion, stating that cricket is not played by ’22 robots.’ He told Sky Sports:

Then, (Mohammad) Siraj was fired up. I didn’t think he should’ve been fined… It wasn’t a shoulder barge as it has been with Kohli. I think it’s a game of emotions, and you don’t need 22 robots.

Instead, it has been suggested that Indian captain Shubman Gill‘s ‘altercation’ with England opener Zak Crawley should have faced ICC sanctions. In the closing stages of Day 3, Gill engaged in a heated exchange with Crawley over his time-wasting antics, even making crude gestures and angrily telling the opener to return to the pavilion. Hussain noted that this argument subsequently fueled the home side to make a strong comeback in the final innings:

One of the highlights of the Test match, the way India went at [Zak] Crawley… India rightly went at them, and that obviously fired everyone up.

Thereafter, the focus now shifts to the crucial fourth Test match between India and England, at Old Trafford in Manchester. It is a must-win encounter for the Men in Blue, who are now trailing 1-2 in the five-match red-ball series.

Team India Coach Calls for Managing Mohammed Siraj’s Workload, Cites Jasprit Bumrah Precedent

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, while praising Mohammed Siraj’s recent performances, also highlighted the need to manage his workload. Siraj has featured in all of India’s first three Test matches against England, this summer.

Mohammed Siraj workload
Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate noted that Mohammed Siraj’s workload should also be managed. (via. India Today)

Siraj is also the highest wicket-taker in the series so far, having scalped 13 wickets so far, at an average of 32, including a six-wicket haul at Edgbaston. While Doeschate underscored the right-arm pacer’s role and the energy he brings to the bowling attack, the former Netherlands international recommended resting Siraj for some matches, to manage his workload effectively and ensure his long-term fitness. He told ESPNCricinfo:

He’s [Mohammed Siraj] not someone who’s going to shy away from workload, so it makes it even more important for us to manage his workload and make sure that he’s at least fit to give his best.

Since 2023, Mohammed Siraj has featured in 24 out of the 27 Test matches that India has played, the most by any fast bowler in this period. He has bowled a staggering 569.4 overs in this period, and remains only behind Australia’s Pat Cummins (721.2 overs) and Mitchell Starc (665.1 overs).