India faced a ten-wicket defeat against Australia in the Adelaide Test, resulting in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy being evenly contested. The second Test of the five-match series will be particularly noted for the intense confrontation between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head on Day 2. Following Head's dismissal, Siraj delivered a spirited send-off, which did not sit well with the Adelaide crowd, especially considering Head's impressive score of 140 runs.

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has commented on the situation, expressing that while he supports a bowler's competitive spirit towards a batsman, he criticized the Indian team for failing to acknowledge Head's impactful innings. 

"There is no need for further action regarding this incident. It was an occurrence that neither side appreciated. The cricket audience does not favor such reactions. Let us not overlook the fact that Siraj delivered an exceptional delivery, and Head's innings was remarkable, marking a pivotal moment in the match with his dismissal," Hayden remarked during his commentary for Star Sports on Day 3 of the pink-ball Test.

"He mentioned 'well bowled,' which I could lip-read. However, in the heat of competition, misinterpretations are inevitable. Ultimately, in my view, everything is permissible in the context of the competitive nature of the game when it comes to dismissing a batsman."

‘Moment of humility’

Hayden expressed that the visitors' team should have demonstrated a moment of humility by approaching Head to acknowledge his performance with a simple ‘Well played.’

“For an individual who has performed as exceptionally as Travis Head did, it is only fitting that the opposing team shows a gesture of respect, rather than delivering a send-off. While I do not anticipate such behavior from the fast bowler, who is typically filled with adrenaline and energy, the rest of the fielding side should have made an effort to approach the batter, offering a respectful clap and a ‘well played’,” stated Hayden.

At the conclusion of Day 2, Head mentioned that he had only said ‘well bowled’ to Siraj after being bowled out by a yorker. However, he noted that Siraj did not respond as he had anticipated, leading to some exchanged words.

On Day 3, Mohammed Siraj presented a contrasting account, asserting that Head never uttered ‘well bowled’ and accused him of dishonesty.

During the commentary on Day 3, both Hayden and Murali Vijay affirmed that Travis Head did indeed say ‘well bowled’ to Siraj.

In the context of the second Test, Australia achieved a decisive ten-wicket victory, successfully chasing down a target of 19 runs in just 3.2 overs.

India and Australia are set to compete in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, scheduled from December 14 to 18.

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