“It’s going to get heated”: Why Katich expects fiery exchange to ignite series

Australian cricket great Simon Katich has criticised the fiery interaction between Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj, saying behaviour like that doesn’t belong in the game.

The incident occurred late on Day 2 of the second Test between Australia and India. Siraj had dismissed Head for 140 runs, appearing to intensely say something to the Aussie batsman and gesture to the pavilion. This led to a heated exchange between the two cricketers before Head walked off to the adoring cheers of the Adelaide crowd.

Speaking to SEN 1170 Breakfast, Katich thought Siraj would regret his actions.

“It wasn't a great look,” Katich said, “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.

“You don't know what head space some of the players are in at times… he was probably disappointed with his performance and something like this can happen.”

Katich also thought Head would probably wish for his time again.

“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,” Katich commented.

“As soon as Travis Head got out, he basically played a match winning knock, it should've been the opposite. 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.”

The third Test will be played in Queensland at the Gabba, starting on December 14.