Ravi Shastri Supports Mohammed Siraj, Says Pacer Should Not Take Even A Step Back

Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, has urged Mohammed Siraj to maintain his aggressive approach in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Writing for the Australian publication Code, Shastri emphasised that Siraj should not restrain himself. During Shastri's coaching tenure, the Indian team focused on confronting Australia without backing down.

In the Adelaide Test, Siraj faced jeers from spectators after showing frustration towards Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. Shastri commented, "I'm sure Siraj and Head are mature individuals who will deal with it and the dust would have settled already." He added that a fast bowler's temperament naturally involves releasing steam after being hit for a six.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Intense Rivalry

The pink ball Test saw a heated exchange between Siraj and Head after Siraj bowled out Head on Day 2. Both players engaged in verbal sparring during and outside the game. This confrontation added intensity to the match, which Australia eventually won by 10 wickets.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed penalties on both players for their altercation during the second Test in Adelaide. Siraj was fined 20% of his match fee, while Head avoided a fine but was sanctioned for his verbal clash with Siraj. Both received one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct.

Shastri's Coaching Philosophy

Shastri shared his coaching philosophy, stating, "When I was playing, my philosophy was to give it back as good as you get." He encouraged his players to adopt this mindset while playing against Australia. This approach became ingrained in the team, with players like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant ready to respond assertively.

Siraj accused Travis Head of using abusive language towards him during their confrontation. Despite this tension, Shastri believes both players are capable of handling such situations maturely. The incident highlighted the fierce competition between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The rivalry between India and Australia remains intense, with players often engaging in spirited exchanges on the field. As the series progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters between these cricketing giants.