'Siraj faces backlash: India pacer criticized for 'inappropriate' Travis Head gesture as ICC considers punishment'

The episode came to a close as Siraj and Head reconciled with a post-match handshake and hug, signaling an end to their on-field dispute. However, the ICC remains steadfast in its decision to take action. While formal sanctions have yet to be announced, the governing body of world cricket is preparing to mete out punishment to both players. Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich weighed in on the issue, criticizing Siraj's behavior as unnecessary and labeling it a 'brainfade'. Katich went on to suggest that Siraj would come to regret his actions and should work on better controlling his emotions in the future.

"It wasn't a great look. It's a shame that Siraj had a bit of a brain fade… there's no need for that in the game. He would regret that Siraj… it was all spur of the moment and when he got Mitchell Starc out not long after that he was pretty sheepish. It all happens in a split second and it's hard to control emotions sometimes when you're upset with what's just unfolded," Katich said on SEN Radio.

Head continued his love affair with India, slamming centuries against them in red-ball, white-ball and pink-ball formats. His 140 off 141 balls was instrumental in handing Australia a 151-run lead over India, which in the end, proved to be enough. Like Siraj, Head's reaction was volatile, too, but it came because of retaliation rather than landing the first blow. Katich reckons Head's knock should have brought a compliment out of Siraj and the Indian team rather than vice-versa.

"His innings didn't deserve to finish that way. I think Travis Head reacted to the gesture and you can’t blame him for that, he was pretty upset with what was being directed his way. As soon as Travis Head got out, he basically played a match-winning knock, it should've been the opposite," added Katich.

Lastly, Katich hopes the Siraj-Head incident sets the tone for the remainder of the series. Over the years, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has dished out its fair share of spice, but the two teams have lately started to share more friendly vibes. However, with so much on the line and the series levelled at 1-1, expect more fireworks across Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.

"He should've gone over to him and pat him on the back and said ‘well played’. Hopefully, it doesn't ignite the series but I dare say given the history of India v Australia in recent times… it's going to get heated in the next few tests because the series is on the line," mentioned Katich.