Travis Head had a minimal impact with the bat, scoring only 0 and 1, yet he significantly influenced the outcome of the fourth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The left-handed batsman, who has posed considerable challenges for India over the past few years, was ultimately subdued by Jasprit Bumrah. The world's top-ranked bowler dismissed him in both innings of the Boxing Day Test; however, Head made his mark with the ball. His effective off-spin bowling claimed the crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant shortly after Tea on Day 5, instigating a swift collapse in which India lost seven wickets in just over an hour, resulting in their defeat.

The wicket came from a half-tracker bowled by Head, which Pant hit directly to the deep mid-wicket fielder. The unexpected nature of the dismissal prompted Head to celebrate unusually, creating a hole with his left hand and repeatedly inserting his right index finger into it. This distinctive celebration certainly drew attention.

Sidhu demands “stringent punishment” for Travis Head

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu expressed his outrage regarding Head's celebration, labelling it as "obnoxious" and the "worst possible example." The ex-opener, who has transitioned into a political career, stated that this behaviour was an affront to 1.5 billion Indians and advocated for "stringent punishment" to prevent such incidents from occurring on the cricket field in the future.

"Travis Head’s unacceptable conduct during the Melbourne Test is detrimental to the spirit of the gentleman’s game. It sets a poor example, especially for the children, women, and individuals of all ages who are watching. This offensive behaviour does not merely insult one person but disrespects a nation of 1.5 billion Indians. He must face severe consequences to deter future generations from emulating such actions," Sidhu remarked on X.

Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, explained Head's celebration. "I can clarify that. His finger is so hot that he intends to place it in a cup of ice. Yes, that’s the reason. It’s usually a running joke. Was it at the Gabba or another venue where he took a wicket and immediately headed to the fridge, grabbed a bucket of ice, and inserted his finger, all while walking past Lyno (Nathan Lyon)? I find that quite amusing. So that’s what it was about, nothing more," Cummins stated to reporters following Australia's victory by 184 runs, which put them ahead 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with one match remaining.

After the dismissal of Pant (30), India lost six additional wickets for a mere 34 runs in the final session, resulting in their all-out score of 155 while chasing 340 runs. Aside from Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) and Pant, none of the Indian batsmen made a significant contribution.

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