The intensity of the 3rd Test between England and India at Lord’s reached a boiling point when Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj gave a fiery send-off to English batter Ben Duckett during England’s second innings. The passionate celebration, which came after Siraj dismissed Duckett with a ripper of a delivery, has now earned the pacer an official reprimand and fine from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
⚖️ What Happened?
On Day 4 of the 3rd Test, with India pressing hard to wrap up the England innings quickly, Ben Duckett was bowled by a sharp in-swinging delivery from Siraj. The Indian pacer, known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, ran down the pitch toward Duckett and let out a roar, pointing him back to the pavilion in a visibly aggressive manner.
Though the celebration drew huge cheers from the Indian fans, it did not go unnoticed by the umpires and match referee.
🧑⚖️ ICC’s Verdict
After reviewing the incident, the ICC Match Referee Panel charged Siraj under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with:
“Using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an international match.”
Siraj accepted the charge and the Level 1 penalty, which included:
- A fine of 15% of his match fee
- One demerit point added to his disciplinary record
Since this was a Level 1 breach and Siraj accepted the sanction, there was no need for a formal hearing.
🧠 What the Experts Said
🎙️ Nasser Hussain (on-air at the time):
“He’s fired up and that’s what you want in a competitive series, but he’s crossed the line a little there. You can be passionate without being provocative.”
🗣️ Harsha Bhogle:
“Siraj has always been high-octane, but there’s a thin line between celebrating a wicket and unsportsmanlike behavior. This was on the edge.”
🧬 A Pattern or Just Passion?
Siraj has been known for his aggressive nature on the field, a trait that has both boosted his performances and occasionally landed him in disciplinary trouble. His on-field energy often lifts the team’s spirit, but this incident reminds fans and players alike of the fine balance between aggression and respect.
This was Siraj’s second minor offense in the last 24 months, and if he accumulates more demerit points, it could lead to suspensions.
🧾 Match Context: The Dismissal
The incident occurred during England’s second innings of the 3rd Test at Lord’s. After posting 387 runs in the first innings, England was looking to build on their lead, but India had other plans. Siraj struck early, and Duckett’s dismissal was a key moment.
Duckett’s Brief Stay:
- Ben Duckett: 7 (18 balls)
- Dismissed: Bowled by Siraj
- Delivery: Length ball angling in and nipping back sharply, breaching Duckett’s defense
Siraj’s roar echoed through Lord’s, but his celebration was quickly deemed excessive.
📊 Series Summary (Till That Point)
- Series Score: England 2 – 1 India
- Test Match: 3rd Test, Lord’s
- Result: England won by 22 runs after a thrilling Day 5
- Player of the Match: Ben Stokes for all-round brilliance
- India 2nd Innings: All out for 170
- Siraj’s 2nd Innings Bowling: 2 wickets, including Duckett
🇮🇳 Siraj’s Reaction
Though Siraj did not speak publicly after the fine, sources close to the team indicated he was remorseful and understood the spirit of the game must be maintained.
A BCCI spokesperson noted:
“Mohammed is a passionate cricketer. He acknowledged his mistake and respects the decision. These moments happen in high-pressure games.”
🏟️ Spirit of the Game: Fine Line in Modern Cricket
Modern-day cricket demands aggression, especially in high-stakes contests like England vs India. However, maintaining decorum on the field remains paramount. Incidents like these bring back memories of previous flashpoints at Lord’s and other iconic venues where emotions took center stage.
📅 What’s Next?
- India and England now head into the 4th Test, with India looking to level the series at 2-2.
- Siraj will be part of the playing XI unless any further issues arise.
- The pressure remains high, but so do expectations for better on-field discipline.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Heat of the Battle
While Siraj’s passion is appreciated, especially in subcontinent cricketing culture, maintaining the “Spirit of Cricket” is critical on the world stage. The ICC's swift action serves as a reminder to all international players: celebrate the wicket, but respect the opponent.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why was Mohammed Siraj fined in the 3rd Test at Lord’s?
A: Siraj was fined for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct. He gave England batter Ben Duckett a fiery send-off after dismissing him during the second innings, which the match referee deemed to be “conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.”
Q2: How much was Siraj fined?
A: Mohammed Siraj was fined 15% of his match fee and received one demerit point under Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
Q3: What exactly did Siraj do after dismissing Duckett?
A: After dismissing Ben Duckett, Siraj aggressively gestured toward the batter and shouted while pointing him off the field—considered unsportsmanlike and excessive by match officials.
Q4: Did Ben Duckett or England respond to the send-off?
A: Neither Ben Duckett nor the England team officially commented on the send-off. However, the on-field umpire quickly intervened and reported the incident, leading to the post-match sanction.
Q5: Has Siraj been fined before for such behavior?
A: Siraj is generally known for his passionate celebrations, but this is one of the rare instances where he has been formally reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.
Q6: Does this affect Siraj’s availability for the rest of the series?
A: No. A Level 1 offense and a single demerit point do not result in suspension. Siraj remains eligible to play the next matches unless he accumulates more points.
Q7: How many demerit points lead to a ban?
A: A player who accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period can face suspension from international matches. Siraj currently has only one.