England's legendary pacer Stuart Broad isn't happy with International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to punish India's ace pacer Mohammed Siraj for his aggressive send off to Ben Duckett on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord's. Broad pointed out that while Siraj was fined 15 per cent of his match fee for his actions, Indian captain Shubman Gill did not face any disciplinary action despite an incident where he was seemingly caught using inappropriate language towards Zak Crawley. Apparently Gill was spotted saying, "Grow some balls", to Zak Crawley after the latter's 'time-wasting' tactics on Day 3 of the Lord's Test.
Stuart Broad slams ICC for penalising Mohammed Siraj
Siraj, who has been successful in taking four wickets in the Test match at Lord's, was sanctioned for breaching Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct. This article pertains to the use of language, actions, or gestures that could be seen as disparaging or likely to provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon their dismissal in an international match. The incident in question occurred after Siraj dismissed England opener Ben Duckett on Day 4 of the Test.
The events leading up to this included a tense final over on Day 3, where players from both the Indian and English teams were seen exchanging words. The Indian bowlers started Day 4 with significant intensity as England's openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, resumed their innings. Duckett managed to score quickly, but his innings was cut short when he mistimed a pull shot off a short delivery from Mohammed Siraj on the fifth ball of the sixth over. Jasprit Bumrah took the resulting catch at mid-on, dismissing Duckett for 12 runs off 12 balls. Following the dismissal, Siraj celebrated with considerable aggression, shouting "come on" in close proximity to Duckett's face and making shoulder contact. The ICC subsequently announced the fine imposed on Siraj for breaching their Code of Conduct.
Broad called ICC's decision 'ridiculous' and said that either both Siraj and Gill should have been penalised or neither of them would have faced the music.
"Find this ridiculous. Siraj 15% for aggressive celebration. Gill swears live on tv & carries on and what? It’s either both or neither. Players aren’t and shouldn’t be robots but consistency is key," Broad's X post read.
In addition to the penalty, Siraj also received one demerit point, which has been added to his disciplinary record. This marked his second offense within a 24-month period, bringing his total to two demerit points. Under ICC regulations, the accumulation of four or more demerit points within a two-year span results in a player receiving suspension points, which can lead to a ban from international matches.
Talking about the match, as of 32.1 overs India were placed 100/7 on Day 5 with Nitish Reddy (5* off 27) and Ravindra Jadeja (14* off 34) are currently intact on the crease.