Latest Cricket News

Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has raised concerns about the on-field conduct of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Clarke specifically criticized Siraj’s approach to appealing for leg-before-wicket (LBW) decisions, suggesting that it warrants a penalty from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Clarke’s main issue lies with Siraj’s habit of appealing for LBWs without acknowledging the umpire. This behavior, Clarke believes, disregards established cricketing norms. Speaking on "Sky Sports Radio", Clarke said, “Siraj should be fined for keeping on appealing for LBWs and not asking the umpire.”

Recalling his own playing days, Clarke pointed out that players would often face fines for such conduct. He emphasized the importance of appealing to the umpire, regardless of a player's certainty about the decision. “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.

Clarke’s concerns were not limited to Siraj’s appeal process but also extended to his on-field demeanor during incidents involving Australian players Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. However, Clarke singled out Siraj’s unusual appeal method as the most pressing issue.

MARK TAYLOR AGREES WITH CLARKE'S CRITICISM

Former Australian captain Mark Taylor echoed Clarke’s concerns, stating that senior Indian players like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli should step in to address Siraj’s behavior. Speaking on the "Willow Talk" podcast, Taylor described Siraj’s actions as disrespectful to both the game and the umpires. He called for intervention, saying, “I’d like to see someone have a little word about Mohammed Siraj. Someone like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli needs to go up to him because that is disrespecting the game and the umpire.”

Taylor was also critical of Siraj’s tendency to continue running down the pitch after striking a batsman on the pads. “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,” Taylor added. He further warned that if Siraj’s conduct is not addressed, it could lead to intervention from match officials, possibly resulting in a suspension.

SIRAJ’S FORM ON THE FIELD

Despite the criticism surrounding his behavior, Mohammed Siraj has been a key performer for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the first two Tests, he has claimed nine wickets at an impressive average of 19.77. His strong performance in the Adelaide Test, where he took figures of 4/98 in the first innings, highlighted his bowling prowess, showcasing his value to the Indian team.