The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has showcased a heated confrontation between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head during the second Test match at Adelaide Oval. This intense interaction captured significant attention, as both players became the centre of discussion due to their on-field reactions. The incident unfolded when Siraj dismissed Head for 140 with an exceptional yorker, leading to a spirited celebration from the Indian pacer, who exchanged words with Head, who, in turn, acknowledged Siraj's exuberance.

Following the match, Siraj faced a penalty of 20 per cent of his match fee after being found in violation of Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which addresses the use of language, actions, or gestures that may belittle or provoke an aggressive response from a batter upon being dismissed.

Conversely, while the Australian batter did not incur any financial penalty, he was reprimanded for violating Article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to the abuse of a player, player support personnel, umpire, or match referee during an international match.

This incident is not unprecedented, as it marks yet another occasion where an Australian player has evaded fines despite crossing the line.

Slater vs Dravid in 2001

In 2001, India's reliable batsman Rahul Dravid executed a pull shot that was caught just above the ground by Australia's Michael Slater, who then began to celebrate with his teammates. Nevertheless, Dravid remained on the field as umpire S. Venkatraghavan ruled him not out. Slater, frustrated by the decision, directed insults at Dravid and engaged in a dispute with the umpire. Although he was subsequently reprimanded for his behaviour, he was not subjected to a fine.

Monkeygate Scandal

The New Year Test of 2008 in Sydney marked a significant low in the cricketing relationship between India and Australia. Tensions escalated due to a series of dubious umpiring calls and confrontations on the field, culminating in the infamous "Monkeygate" incident, which nearly led to the cancellation of the tour. Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds engaged in a confrontation with Harbhajan Singh, alleging that the Indian spinner referred to him as a "monkey." Singh, who refuted the accusation, faced a three-match suspension for the purported racial slur. However, the ICC appeals commissioner, Justice John Hansen, later exonerated Harbhajan, imposing instead a fine amounting to 50 per cent of his match fees. In contrast, the Australian players involved in the verbal exchanges, including Symonds, faced no repercussions for their conduct.

Warner, Kohli and Dhawan fined

The 2014 Border-Gavaskar Trophy saw players from both teams engaging in intense confrontations throughout the series. Former Australian opener David Warner had several on-field disputes with Shikhar Dhawan and Varun Aaron during the Adelaide Test. Additionally, Virat Kohli was involved in a disagreement with Steve Smith.

All three players faced charges under Level 1 Article 2.1.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which pertains to "conduct that either: (a) is contrary to the spirit of the game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute."

Kohli and Dhawan were penalized 30% of their match fees, while Warner received a lesser fine of 15% of his fees.

Honorary mentions

Glenn Maxwell mocking Virat Kohli

In a Test match held in Ranchi in 2017, Virat Kohli exited the field in discomfort, holding his right shoulder after executing a dive while fielding at mid-on on the first day. He was unable to participate in fielding on the second day due to the strain. Subsequently, during the match, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was observed grasping his right shoulder after attempting a dive to prevent a boundary, all the while wearing a broad smile that seemed to mock the former Indian captain. Nevertheless, the match referee did not take any disciplinary action against Maxwell.

Steve Smith DRS controversy

Former Australian captain Steve Smith was accused of misconduct related to the Decision Review System (DRS) during the Bengaluru Test of the same tour. He was observed glancing towards the dressing room for guidance on whether to request a review after being given out leg before wicket by Umesh Yadav. Virat Kohli expressed his discontent with Smith's approach and addressed the matter with him. In the meantime, the International Cricket Council (ICC) chose not to take any disciplinary measures against either player.

Read Also: Gambhir raises concerns over Rohit Sharma's WTC final aspirations following unexpected Brisbane incident ahead of third Test against Australia.

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