Mohammed Siraj is attempting to be India’s Stuart Broad in the eyes of the Australian public. But the lion’s heart of the Indian team could do irreparable damage if he pushes the line too far.
Siraj dismissed Travis Head in Australia’s first innings for a match-defining 140 off 141 balls. A perfect in-swinging yorker was enough to undo the South Australian. However, it was Siraj’s actions to charge down the wicket roaring alongside, sending Head to the dressing room which cut deep with not only the crowd but Travis Head himself. Head came back at the bowler before the umpires attempted to cool the tensions. The ICC punished both with one demerit point each and Siraj copping a fine, of 20 per cent of his match fee.
The chorus of boos ringing out from the Adelaide Oval was to be expected. Not to say this affected Siraj’s bowling. He was magnificent alongside Jasprit Bumrah taking 4/98. An economy of four per over is more expensive and it should noted that he dismissed Head, Carey, Starc and Boland – so not exactly the spine of the Australian batters.
What India and Siraj should’ve expected was to awaken the fire in the Aussies’ belly. You could see in the second innings, Cummins charging in and when taking his 5/57 he pumped up his team. You never want to draw Australia into a war of words.
Even Scott Boland, who took 3/51 in the second innings, was keen to send off Virat Kohli upon dismissal. A fitting end to the Indian innings was Travis Head himself catching Siraj off Boland’s bowling. The Australians dominated this game winning by ten wickets.
For as much criticism as the Australians drew in Perth (including from myself), it’s important to acknowledge Australia got this match right by not bowling Marnus Labuschagne and playing their strong-suited pink ball game. Therefore, Siraj didn’t cost India the game by rallying the Aussies.
But going onwards to Brisbane, it’s hard to see Australia not holding resentment against Siraj and when Australia engage in a war of words, they often win the series.
In the past, India have been a weakness and have often been able to stand up against the hosts. 2020-21 holds firm in the memory as Tim Paine and Virat Kohli battled on and off the field in a high-tension series.
But this time, Siraj and India are the aggressors and the counter-punch experienced in Adelaide alongside making a stand in the mental game could see them swept away the rest of the series.
Melbourne and Sydney will suit India more than Brisbane and, therefore, if they can get a result up north they will be in this series until the end. For the Aussies, if they can dominate India again, they put themselves in prime position heading into Boxing Day. Siraj will need to step up if Bumrah is indeed hampered.
Roar editor Christy Doran made the trip to Seattle with VisitSeattle.org, diving into the city’s electric sports vibe, outdoor adventures, and renowned food scene. Click here for his latest adventure in the Emerald City.
Carrying that weight, the small actions of a send-off could create more pressure than the visitors anticipated. The Aussie public has taken interest now so expect hostile crowds through until the end of the summer. Boxing Day in particular will see a sold-out MCG and a pressure cooker environment is what both teams will experience.
A spot in the World Test Championship is likely to be assured for whichever side wins the series. The war of words will continue on and off the pitch in traditional Australian style.
But can India and Siraj’s bark match its bite? Brisbane will be the first opportunity to answer that question.