Mohammed Siraj on Travis Head send-off incident: It’s a lie that he said ‘well bowled’ to me | Cricket News

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy needed some spice. And the Travis Head vs Mohammed Siraj incident on the second day of the pink-ball test has given that to this series to spice things up for the remaining three Tests.Australia batter Travis Head said he was disappointed with how his dismissal transpired – both with the fiery sendoff that India pacer Mohammed Siraj gave him. A heated exchange followed as Siraj appeared to exchange a few words and gestured Head towards the dressing room.
“I said ‘well bowled’ but he thought otherwise … when he pointed me to the sheds he got a little bit back from me,” Head told Fox Cricket after the day’s play. “I’m slightly disappointed with how that transpired, with a couple of the past innings. It is what it is. If they want to react like that and that’s how they want to represent themselves, then so be it.”

A century, a send-off, Travis Head reflects on a day full of action #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/cNRZ5lxnSz
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 7, 2024
Siraj disagrees
However, Mohammed Siraj disagrees with Head’s comments, saying the Australian opener lied about the send-off incident.
“It was a good battle. I loved bowling to him. He has batted really well for his 140,” Siraj told the Start Sports.
“When you get hit for a six on your good ball, it kind of gets annoying. It ignites your passion. When I got him out, I celebrated but he abused me,” said Siraj.
“It’s a lie that he said ‘well bowled’ to me.
“You can see what he actually said on TV. Initially, I only celebrated but he was the one who started the conversation. In the press conference, he lied that he said ‘well bowled.’ You can go and check the highlights again.
Siraj, after being hit for a four and six earlier in that over, bowled a yorker to end a magnificent innings Head, who made 140 off 141 balls on Day 2 of the second Test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Stares and words were exchanged between Siraj and Head after that. (Screengrabs: cricket.com.au)
“We don’t disrespect anyone. I respect every cricketer. Cricket is a gentleman’s game but the way acted after getting out was uncalled for,” he said.
Harbhajan backs Siraj
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who has had a hory with the Australian cricket, backed Siraj and lauded him for his bowling performance.

Stunning revelation! @mdsirajofficial breaks his silence on his verbal clash with #TravisHead during Day 2 of the pink-ball Test! 😳
PS. Don’t miss @harbhajan_singh’s advice to DSP Sahab! 🫣#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test, Day 3 👉 LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy… pic.twitter.com/x0IqMVG1Ir
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 8, 2024
“you did Siraj was right. He will remember that ball for a long while. And He definitely didn’t say “Well bowled”! Whole Australia also must have watched.
“You did right. He (Travis Head) never said ‘well bowled.’ Australians don’t say this to anyone. I have had my fair shares of battles with them in the past.
“You should be proud of yourself. You were excellent,” said Harbhajan.