Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take disciplinary action against Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj. This request is not related to Siraj's confrontation with Travis Head during Day 2 of the recently concluded Adelaide Test, which Australia won by ten wickets. Instead, Siraj is at the centre of a significant controversy due to his conduct during the match.

Clarke expressed his disapproval of Siraj's celebratory appeals throughout the Adelaide Test. The 2015 World Cup-winning captain criticized the Indian bowler for showing a lack of respect towards the umpires, noting that Siraj often fails to turn around to appeal for leg-before-wicket (LBW) decisions.

During the Adelaide Test, Siraj was convinced that Marnus Labuschagne was out LBW and did not bother to look back or appeal. He instead ran down the pitch with his arms raised in celebration. However, replays indicated that there was an inside edge, and even Rohit Sharma chose not to review the on-field decision of not out.

"Siraj should face a fine for persistently appealing for LBW without consulting the umpire," Clarke remarked on Sky Sports radio. "He strikes the batter on the pads and simply runs off as if they are out," he added.

Clarke also expressed his astonishment at the ICC's failure to impose a fine on Siraj. He stated that his concerns regarding Siraj's celebratory behaviour outweigh his worries about the incident with Head.

"I’m surprised the ICC hasn’t penalized him because, during my playing days, fines were common for such behaviour. Brett Lee was notorious for it, and he was warned that if he didn’t turn to the umpire, he would be fined. I’m more concerned about Siraj’s conduct in celebration than his altercation with Travis Head," Clarke concluded.

'That's got to stop'

Former Australian fast bowler Stuart Clark concurs with Michael Clarke, asserting that Mohammed Siraj must refrain from his excessive celebratory appeals, as it is essential to demonstrate respect towards the on-field officials.

"I believe that is significantly more concerning than the incident involving Head. This matter has been raised and discussed multiple times, emphasizing that such behaviour is unacceptable," stated Stuart Clark.

"The umpires have made their position clear, as have the rules, which dictate that players should turn to the umpire and show respect when inquiring about a dismissal. His actions did not reflect well; he charged down the pitch, proclaiming, 'That’s out'... only for the replay to reveal that he had inside-edged the ball onto his pad. If I were a match referee or an official, I would advise him that this behaviour must cease, as it creates undue pressure on the umpire in an inappropriate manner," he continued.

Mohammed Siraj has faced criticism from certain fans for two incidents that occurred in Adelaide. Initially, he was rebuked for throwing the ball back at the stumps after Marnus Labuschagne had hesitated late in his run-up. Subsequently, Siraj directed a send-off towards Travis Head, the local favourite, after successfully bowling him out. By that point, Head had already amassed 140 runs, leading to an exchange of words between Siraj and Head.

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