Rift or Misunderstanding? Ponting Weighs in on Siraj and Head Clash

Ricky Ponting reflects on the on-field altercation between India's Mohammed Siraj and Australia's Travis Head during a Test match, suggesting it was accidental and lacked malice. Both players were penalized by the ICC. Ponting believes the incident was overblown and that both players cleared the air later.

Ricky Ponting has weighed in on the on-field confrontation between India's Mohammed Siraj and Australia's Travis Head during the day-night Test in Adelaide, classifying it as 'accidental' and devoid of malice. The exchange unfolded after Siraj conceded a six and subsequently dismissed Head, gesturing him toward the dressing room.

The International Cricket Council sanctioned Siraj with a 20 percent fine of his match fee, alongside a single demerit point. Head was also reprimanded, receiving one demerit. Ponting suggests that a misinterpretation exacerbated the incident, as Head claimed to have complimented Siraj post-dismissal, which Siraj denied.

Ponting described the incident as routine under pressure conditions for bowlers but acknowledged the strict umpire regulations regarding such send-offs. Both cricketers have since clarified the misunderstanding during the series, which remains balanced at 1-1, with the next test set for Brisbane.

(With inputs from agencies.)