Australian batter Travis Head‘s unexpected bowling heroics in the Melbourne Test came with a celebration that left fans and players alike buzzing. After dismissing Rishabh Pant in the final session of Day 5 – a breakthrough that triggered India’s collapse — Head celebrated in a uniquely quirky way.
The unusual gesture quickly went viral, with some hailing it as quirky and others questioning its intent. Head, however, was quick to clarify its meaning after the match.
“Finger on the ice,” Head said during an interview with Triple M Radio. “I started it in Sri Lanka. I put my finger on the ice and be ready to go for the next one.”
Head further elaborated on his unexpected bowling role in the Test. “I didn’t expect to be bowling. I thought Galle would be my next bowling. I’ll go put it down in a little cup of ice, be ready to go up there next,” he joked, referring to Australia’s upcoming series in Sri Lanka.
Australia captain Pat Cummins also chimed in on the lighthearted gesture during the post-match press conference. “His finger is so hot that he is going to put it in a cup of ice. Yes, that’s what it is,” Cummins said with a laugh. “That’s normally the running joke. Was it at the Gabba or somewhere, where he got a wicket as well and just got straight to the fridge, grabs a bucket of ice, puts his finger in.”
Head’s celebration, while entertaining, has not been without criticism. Former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu expressed disapproval and called on the ICC to impose penalties for what he deemed an inappropriate display.
As social media continues to dissect his “finger on the ice” moment, Head’s quirky celebration has become a highlight of an already memorable Test match.
