The Border-Gavaskar Trophy reached a critical juncture in Adelaide when Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj engaged in a contentious exchange with Australian middle-order batsman Travis Head. This confrontation resulted in Siraj being penalized with a deduction of 20 percent from his match fees. Former head coach of the Indian team, Ravi Shastri, has commented on the situation, encouraging Rohit Sharma and his team to respond to provocations with equal intensity.

The verbal altercation between Siraj and Head escalated after Siraj delivered a spirited send-off following the dismissal of Head, who had been scoring freely against the Indian bowlers. While both players provided differing accounts of the incident, they reconciled after Australia secured a decisive ten-wicket victory.

“I am confident that Siraj and Head are both mature enough to handle the situation, and any tensions would have dissipated by now,” Shastri expressed in a column for CODE Sports.

“Honestly, I would not have anticipated any different reaction from a fast bowler who has just been hit for a six. Siraj was merely venting his frustrations. That is the nature of fast bowlers. It is essential for them to exhibit that attitude. During my playing days, my approach was to respond in kind to any provocation. This is precisely the advice I would impart to my players when coaching India in Australia: do not hold back at all,” he further stated.

'Do not take a backward step'

Despite the criticism directed at Mohammed Siraj for his conduct in Adelaide, Ravi Shastri emphasizes that Team India should not retreat. 

Shastri, who led India to two series victories in Australia during 2018-19 and 2020-21, reflected on how players like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant were eager to respond to challenges in previous Australian tours, demonstrating their readiness to compete fiercely.

“Do not take even one backward step. This became the team's guiding principle, with every player from Virat Kohli to Rishabh Pant prepared to stand up to the Australians," Shastri remarked.

Rohit Sharma, who batted at No. 6 in Adelaide, has been advised to return to his opening position for the upcoming third Test in Gabba, Brisbane.

“I would like to see the captain back at the top of the order in Brisbane. Opening the batting is where Rohit truly excels,” Shastri stated.

“While they may have experimented with his position in the middle order in Adelaide, it is crucial to revert to the original plan and move KL Rahul down the order. Rohit needs to set the pace at the top; that is his optimal role," he added.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently tied, and both India and Australia will aim to gain the upper hand in the five-match series when they meet in Brisbane on December 14.

Read Also: Ex-Australia Captain Criticizes Mohammed Siraj for Disrespecting Umpires

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