India's fast bowler Mohammed Siraj and Australia's batter Travis Head are reportedly facing potential charges from the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a contentious exchange during the second Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Adelaide. The match concluded with Australia securing victory by 10 wickets, thereby equalizing the series at 1-1.

The incident occurred on the second day of the pink ball Test at the Adelaide Oval after Siraj dismissed Head, who scored 140 runs off 141 balls, with a well-executed in-swinging yorker. Following the dismissal, Siraj's actions drew the ire of the Adelaide crowd as he delivered a pointed send-off to the local player. He directed a fierce glare at Head, accompanied by a gesture towards the dressing room, which provoked an angry response from Head.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph, both players are anticipated to attend a disciplinary hearing regarding their on-field confrontation. However, both teams can breathe a sigh of relief, as it appears that neither Head nor Siraj will face suspension, given that verbal infractions are subject to lesser penalties under the ICC's Code of Conduct.

Did Head ‘abuse’ Siraj?

The conflict between Head and Siraj persisted beyond the second day of play in Adelaide, transcending the boundaries of the cricket field. In a media interaction following the incident, the Australian batsman, who was awarded Player of the Match, disclosed that he remarked, “Well bowled, mate,” after striking Siraj for a six into the stands just before his dismissal.

“It may have escalated a bit too far; hence, I regret the reaction I exhibited, but I must also defend myself. I believe that within our team, such behaviour is not typical. This is not how I prefer to engage in the game, and I feel my teammates share this sentiment. If I witness such conduct, I would likely address it, as I did,” Head articulated during the press conference.

Conversely, Siraj refuted Head's assertions before the commencement of play on the third day, claiming he was "abused" by the centurion.

“When you concede a six off a well-delivered ball, it ignites a different kind of intensity. Upon dismissing him, I merely celebrated, and he directed abuse towards me, which was evident on television,” he stated to Star Sports. “I only celebrated initially; I did not engage him verbally. His comments in the press conference are inaccurate; it is a falsehood that he only said ‘well bowled’ to me. The evidence is clear for all to see that his words were not limited to that. We hold respect for all players; it is not our practice to disrespect others. I have respect for everyone because cricket is a gentleman’s game, but his actions were inappropriate. I found them quite displeasing.”

Later, on the third day of the match during India's second innings, the two players encountered each other on the field and appeared to exchange amicable words, suggesting a resolution to their disagreement.

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