The verbal altercation between Australian batter Travis Head and Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been making headlines over the past few weeks. In light of their verbal spat, many cricketers have weighed in on the incident with their opinions and the latest to share his viewpoint is legendary batter Ricky Ponting, who feels that it all was misinterpreted. The incident took place during the 82nd over of the second Test when Siraj bowled Head, who was playing on 140. Soon after Head's dismissal, both players exchanged heated words.
“Looking back at it now, I think it was accidental the way that whole thing played out. I don't think there was any malice meant at the start. Then the way it started and almost like the misinterpretation of what had actually gone on, I think led to how it ended," Ponting said on the ICC Review.
Ricky Ponting defended Siraj by saying that you can expect such reaction from a fast bowler, who has been under pressure.
“I know Travis has gone and said that he said ‘well bowled’ at the start. Siraj obviously wasn't happy about being hit over the deep backward square for six the ball before. Rohit (Sharma) I'm sure would expect these fast bowlers to react like that. When they're under the pressure and they're getting hit and then they've just got a wicket you'd expect that they'd be up and about," Ponting said.
Ponting further said he was worried for Siraj when both players got into a heated exchange of words.
“I was in comms (commentary box) at the time. As soon as I saw the send-off, I actually got worried for Siraj. I know how the umpires react to those things. Umpires and referees don't like seeing the send-off, pointed in the direction of the dressing room.”
Later, both players shook hands when Siraj came out to bat during India's second innings.
“It was great to see them actually chatting. When Siraj came out to bat and Travis was at short leg, they were actually clarifying what had happened out there. They were talking amongst themselves as to what had actually happened," Ponting stated.