NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has expressed concerns regarding the on-field conduct of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Clarke specifically criticized Siraj’s appealing style, suggesting it warrants a penalty from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Siraj’s habit of appealing for leg-before-wicket (LBW) decisions without acknowledging the umpire has drawn criticism. Clarke believes this practice disregards established cricketing conventions.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
“Siraj should be fined for keeping on appealing for LBWs and not asking the umpire,” Clarke said on Sky Sports Radio.
Clarke recalled that during his playing days, such behavior consistently resulted in fines. He emphasized the importance of directing appeals to the umpire, regardless of the player’s conviction.
“He hits the batter on the pads and just runs down like they’re out. I’m surprised the ICC haven’t fined him because I remember when I was playing, you’d get fined every time. You’re OK to appeal for anything you want, but you’ve got to turn around and ask the umpire,” Clarke added.
Rohit Sharma press conference after loss in Adelaide Test vs Australia
Siraj’s on-field demeanor has also been under scrutiny due to incidents involving Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. However, Clarke highlighted Siraj’s unusual appeal process as a more pressing issue.
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor shared similar sentiments, advocating for senior Indian players to intervene and guide Siraj’s behavior. Taylor expressed his views on a cricket podcast, Willow Talk. He considered Siraj’s actions disrespectful towards the game and the umpires.
“I’d like to see someone have a little word with Mohammed Siraj. Someone like a Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli needs to go up to him because that is disrespecting the game and the umpire,” Taylor said.
Taylor also took exception to Siraj’s practice of running down the pitch after striking a batsman’s pads, suggesting it should cease.
“When he hits a guy on the pads and thinks he’s got him out LBW, he continues to run down the pitch, past the batsman, almost gets to the keeper and then looks around to the umpire. That’s got to stop,” he added.
He cautioned that Siraj’s conduct could lead to intervention from match officials, possibly resulting in a suspension if not addressed.
Despite the criticism surrounding his behavior, Siraj has proven to be a potent force for India, claiming nine wickets at an average of 19.77 in the first two Tests. His performance in the Adelaide Test, where he secured figures of 4/98 in the first innings, demonstrated his bowling prowess.
