Travis Head speaks on the Mohammed Siraj send-off as ugly incident created flashpoint for the remainder of the day.
Travis Head has called out India quick Mohammed Siraj for the send-off he gave him after his dismissal. He also believes that India have gone overboard in multiple instances before this particular moment.
After being blasted over the leg side for six, Siraj bowled Head with a full delivery of the ball and motioned to the dressing room. Head spun around and reacted, admitting that he was disappointed in himself for doing so.
“I actually jokingly said ‘well bowled’, then he pointed me in the sheds and I had my reaction as well,” Head said. “I don’t want to give it too much airtime. Feel like the way I play the game I would like a better reaction. I was surprised at the reaction in terms of the situation of the game and the lead up. There was no confrontation leading up to it.
“It probably [went] a little bit far, that’s why I’m disappointed in the reaction I gave back but I’m also going to stand up for myself. Like to think in our team we wouldn’t do that. [It’s] not the way I’d like to play the game and feel like my team-mates are the same. If I see that, I probably call it out, which I did.”
Head stated that there had previously been an incident during the series, most likely alluding to his removal for 89 in Perth’s second innings as India approached a decisive victory.
“There’s been conversations I’ve had,” he said. “I’ll leave those conversations that I’ve had with individuals around that. Can’t speak much for India, like I said I’m going to call it out in certain situations. Feel like you can play hard and play fair. When you are out you can’t do much about it. I’m disappointed with the reaction I had after that, but certainly going to stand up for myself.”
However, despite the heated exchange with Siraj, Head believes the relationship between the teams remains on good terms.
“I think the relationship is really, really good,” he said. “Think that’s why I’m disappointed with a couple of reactions I’ve got when being dismissed. Feel like the game’s moved on. The way I play the game is, I’m here to have a good time, want to enjoy myself, want to play hard and play fair. I have a joke with the fielders, always interacting, and it’s been on very simple terms and enjoyable. I know they are competing hard, but I can have a laugh at the same time.
“Then to get the reaction I did off the back of that, I’d almost have it the other way, rather they try to tear shreds off me then give it to me. But feel like the lead-up is out of nowhere. Both teams respect each other, I hope. Our dressing room definitely has a lot of respect for the opposition and the blokes in that dressing are very high quality.”