Travis Head's unconventional celebration after dismissing the Rishabh Pant during the Boxing Day Test has sparked debate on social media. The Australian all-rounder recently shed light on the gesture, clarifying its meaning and its origins.
HEAD'S UNIQUE CELEBRATION EXPLAINED
In the final session of Day 5 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Travis Head delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the well-set Rishabh Pant, triggering a dramatic collapse that sealed Australia’s 184-run victory. Following the dismissal, Head celebrated by pressing one finger into his other hand, forming a circular shape. The unusual gesture caught widespread attention, drawing both intrigue and criticism.
Speaking to 'Triple M Radio' after the fourth Test, Head explained the celebration, saying it represents "finger on the ice." The gesture humorously alludes to cooling down his finger after delivering key performances with the ball.
“It’s a little inside joke. I started doing it in Sri Lanka. After I bowl, I imagine putting my finger on ice, ready for the next one,” Head explained. “Honestly, I didn’t expect to bowl in Melbourne. I thought Galle would be my next chance to roll my arm over. But it worked out well.”
SOCIAL MEDIA FRENZY AND CRITICISM
While some fans appreciated the lighthearted gesture, others criticized it, with former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu even suggesting that the ICC should impose a penalty on Head for what he deemed inappropriate behaviour
THE TURNING POINT: PANT’S WICKET
Pant, batting confidently on 30, succumbed to a loose shot off Head’s part-time ooff-spin sparking India’s dramatic downfall. India collapsed from a relatively stable position, losing their last seven wickets for just 34 runs in under 21 overs. The team was bowled out for 155 in 79.1 overs, conceding the series lead to Australia.
CUMMINS WEIGHS IN
Australia captain Pat Cummins addressed questions about Head’s celebration during the post-match press conference. “It’s just a joke we have in the team. When he gets a wicket, he likes to say his fingers are so hot that he needs to cool it down with ice,” Cummins quipped. “He’s done it before, even at the Gabba. He’d grab a bucket of ice and dunk his finger in as part of the routine.”
A MIXED PERFORMANCE FOR HEAD
Despite a lacklustre showing with the bat—managing only scores of 0 and 1—Head redeemed himself with his timely contribution with the ball, taking Pant’s vital wicket. His unexpected success with the ball has raised hopes for his potential contributions in Australia’s upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka.
INDIA'S STRUGGLES IN MELBOURNE
India’s batting woes continued as key players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma failed to deliver in the second innings, both registering single-digit scores. Pant, who was expected to anchor the innings, faced heavy criticism for his dismissive shot selections across both innings.
The defeat handed Australia a commanding lead in the series, leaving India with plenty to ponder ahead of the next encounter.
.jpg?generation=1735913786332689&alt=media)
.jpg?generation=1735746812965347&alt=media)
